Isidore of Seville: ETYMOLOGIARVM SIVE ORIGINVM LIBRI XX

[1] Pulvis dictus quodvi venti pellatur. Tollitur enim eius flatu nec resistit nec stare novit, sicut ait propheta (Psalm. 1,4): 'Tamquam pulvis, quem proicit ventus a facie terrae.'

[1] Dust is so called because by the force of the wind it is driven. For it is lifted up by its blast and neither resists nor knows how to stand, as the prophet says (Psalm. 1,4): 'Like dust, which the wind casts forth from the face of the earth.'

[2] Limus vocatus quod lenis sit. Caenum est vorago luti. Cinis ex incendio dicitur; ab eo enim fit.

[2] Slime is so called because it is soft. Filthy mud is a whirlpool of mire. Cinders are said to be from a conflagration; for from it they are made.

Favilla, quod per ignem effecta sit; nam FOS ignis est.

Favilla, because it has been effected through fire; for FOS is fire.

[3] Gleba, quod sit globus; pulveris enim collectione conpingitur et in uno glomere adunatur. Terra autem ligata gleba est, soluta pulvis.

[3] Glebe, because it is a globe; for by the collection of dust it is compacted and united in a single agglomerate. Earth, however, when bound, is glebe; when loosened, dust.

[4] Labina, eo quod ambulantibus lapsum inferat, dicta per derivationem a labe. Lutum vocatum quidam per antiphrasin putant, quod non sit mundum; nam omne lotum mundum est.

[4] Labina, because it brings a lapse to those walking, is said by derivation from ‘labes’. Some think ‘lutum’ is so called by antiphrasis, because it is not clean; for everything washed (lotum) is clean.

[5] Volutabra appellata quod ibi apri volutentur. Vligo sordes limi vel aquae sunt. Sabulum levissimum terrae genus.

[5] Wallowing-places are called so because boars wallow there. Vligo is the filth of mud or of water. Sabulum is the lightest kind of earth.

[6] Argilla ab Argis vocata, apud quos primum ex ea vasa confecta sunt. Creta ab insula Creta, ubi melior est. Creta Cimolia candida est, a Cimea Italiae insula dicta; quarum altera vestimentorum pretiosos colores emollit, et contristatos sulphure quodam nitore exhilarat, altera gemmis nitorem praestat.

[6] Argil is called from Argos, among whom vases were first fashioned from it. Chalk (Creta) is from the island of Crete, where it is better. Cimolian chalk is white, named from Cimea, an island of Italy; of which the one softens the precious colors of garments, and, when they have been made gloomy by a certain sulphur, it enlivens them with brilliance, the other affords luster to gems.

Creta argentaria, et ipsa candida, appellata eo quod nitorem argento reddat.

Silversmiths’ chalk, itself likewise white, so called because it renders luster to silver.

[7] Terra Samia a Samo insula dicta, glutinosa et candida et linguae lenis, medicamentis ei vasculis necessaria.

[7] Samian earth, named from the island Samos, glutinous and white and gentle to the tongue, necessary for medicines and small vessels.

[8] Pulvis Puteolanus in Puteolanis Italiae colligitur collibus, opponiturque ad sustinenda maria fluctusque frangendos. Nam mersus aquis protinus lapis fit, undisque cottidie fortior effectus in saxum mutatur; sicut argilla igne in lapidem vertitur.

[8] The Puteolan dust is collected on the Puteolan hills of Italy, and it is set against (them) to sustain the seas and to break the waves. For, plunged in waters, it straightway becomes stone, and, made stronger day by day by the waves, it is changed into rock; just as clay is turned into stone by fire.

[9] Sulphur vocatum quia igne accenditur; PUR enim ignis est. Nam vis eius et in aquis ferventibus sentitur, neque alia res facilius accenditur. Nascitur in insulis Aeoliis inter Siciliam et Italiam, quas ardere dicunt.

[9] Sulphur is so called because it is ignited by fire; for PUR is fire. For its force is felt even in boiling waters, nor is any other thing more easily ignited. It is produced in the Aeolian islands between Sicily and Italy, which they say burn.

Invenitur et in aliis locis effossum.

It is also found excavated in other places.

[10] Huius genera quattuor. Vivum, quod foditur, translucetque et viret, quem solum ex omnibus generibus medici utuntur. Alterum, quod appellant glebam, usibus tantum fullonum familiare.

[10] Of this there are four genera. The “living” kind, which is dug out, is translucent and green-hued, and this alone, of all the genera, the physicians use. The second, which they call “gleba” (clod), is familiar only for the uses of fullers.

Tertium liquor est; usus eius ad lanas suffiendas, quoniam candorem mollitiemque praestat. Quartum ad lychnia maxime conficienda aptum. Sulphuris tanta vis est ut morbos comitiales deprehendat nidore suo inpositus ignibus ardescens.

The third is a liquor; its use is for fumigating wools, since it imparts whiteness and softness. The fourth is most apt for making lamps. So great is the power of sulphur that it detects the comitial disease by its reek, when set upon fires and blazing up.

In calice vini prunaque subdita circumferens exardescentis repercussu pallorem dirum velut defunctorum effundit.

Carrying it around in a chalice of wine, and with a live-coal set beneath, by the repercussion of the blazing it pours out a dire pallor, as if of the defunct.

II. DE GLEBIS EX AQVA.

2. ON CLODS FROM WATER.

[1] Bitumen in Iudaeae lacu Asphaltite emergit, cuius glebas supernatantes nautae scaphis adpropinquantes colligunt. In Syria autem limus est passim aestuans a terra. Spissantur autem utraque et densitate coeunt, et utraque Graeci PISSASFALTON appellant.

[1] Bitumen emerges in the Asphaltites lake of Judea, whose floating clods the sailors, approaching with skiffs, gather. In Syria, however, there is slime everywhere, seething up from the earth. Both are thickened and cohere by density, and both the Greeks call PISSASFALTON.

Natura eius ardens et ignium cognata, et neque aqua neque ferro rumpitur, nisi solis muliebribus inquinamentis: utilis ad conpages navium.

Its nature is ardent and cognate with fires, and it is broken by neither water nor iron, save only by women’s impurities: useful for the joinings of ships.

[2] Alumen vocatum a lumine, quod lumen coloribus praestat tinguendis. Est autem salsugo terrae, efficiturque hieme ex aqua et limo, et aestivis solibus maturatur. Huius species duae sunt: liquidum et spissum.

[2] Alum, called from lumen “light,” because it affords light/brightness to colors for dyeing. It is a salinity of the earth, and is produced in winter from water and mud, and is ripened by the summer suns. Of this there are two kinds: liquid and thick.

[3] Sal quidam dictum putant quod in igne exiliat. Fugit enim ignem, dum sit igneum, sed naturam sequitur, quia ignis et aqua semper inter se inimica sunt. Alii sal a salo et sole vocatum existimant; nam aquis maris sponte gignitur, spuma in extremis litoribus vel scopulis derelicta et sole decocta.

[3] Some think it is called salt because it leaps in the fire. For it flees the fire, although it is igneous, yet it follows its nature, because fire and water are always mutually inimical. Others suppose salt to be called from brine and the sun; for it is spontaneously generated from the waters of the sea, the foam left on the farthest shores or on the rocks and decocted by the sun.

Sunt et lacus et flumina et putei e quibus auritur. Dehinc in salinis ingestus sole siccatur; sed et flumina densantur in salem, amne reliquo sub gelu fluente. Alibi quoque detractis arenis colligitur, crescens cum luna noctibus; nam in Cyrenaea ammoniacus sub arenis invenitur.

There are also lakes and rivers and wells from which it is drawn. Then, when poured into salt-pans, it is dried by the sun; but even rivers are thickened into salt, with the remaining stream flowing under the ice. Elsewhere also, with the sands removed, it is gathered, growing with the moon by night; for in Cyrenaica ammoniac is found beneath the sands.

Sunt et montes nativi salis, in quibus ferro caeditur, ut lapis, renascens maius: tantae alicubi duritiae ut muros domosque massis salis faciant, sicut in Arabia.

There are also mountains of native salt, in which it is cut with iron, like stone, growing back larger: of such hardness in some places that they make walls and houses from masses of salt, as in Arabia.

[4] In natura quoque salis differentiae [sunt]. Nam alibi suave, alibi salsissimum: commune sal in igne crepitat; Tragasaeum nec crepitat in igne nec exilit; Agrigentinum Siciliae flammis patiens in aqua exilit, in igne fluit contra naturam.

[4] In the nature of salt too there are differences. For in some places it is suave, in others most salty: common salt crackles in the fire; the Tragasaean neither crackles in the fire nor leaps; the Agrigentine of Sicily, enduring flames, leaps in water, in the fire it flows against nature.

[5] Sunt et colorum differentiae. Memphiticus rufus est; in parte quadam Siciliae, ubi Aetna est, purpureus; item in eadem Sicilia in Pachyno adeo splendidus et lucidus ut imagines reddat; in Cappadocia crocinus effoditur.

[5] There are differences of colors as well. The Memphitic is red; in a certain part of Sicily, where Etna is, purpureous; likewise in the same Sicily at Pachynus, so splendid and lucid that it renders images; in Cappadocia a crocine kind is dug out.

[6] Salis natura necessaria est ad omnem escam. Pulmentis enim saporem dat, excitat aviditatem, et appetitum in omnibus cibis facit. Ex eo quippe omnis victus delectatio et summa hilaritas.

[6] The nature of salt is necessary for every food. For to relishes it gives savor, it rouses avidity, and it makes appetite in all foods. From it, indeed, is every delectation of victuals and the highest hilarity.

Hinc et salus nomen accepisse putatur; nihil enim utilius sale et sole: denique cornea videmus corpora nauticorum. Quin etiam pecudes, armenta et iumenta sale maxime provocantur ad pastum, multo largiores lacte multoque gratiores casei dote. Corpora etiam sal adstringit, siccat et alligat.

Hence even “salus” (health) is thought to have taken its name; for nothing is more useful than salt and the sun: indeed we see the horn-like bodies of seamen. Nay more, sheep, herds, and draught-animals are most powerfully provoked to grazing by salt, becoming much more bountiful in milk and much more agreeable in the endowment of cheese. Salt also astringes, dries, and binds bodies.

Defuncta etiam a putrescendi labe vindicat ut durent.

It also rescues the deceased from the stain of putrefying, so that they may endure.

[7] Nitrum a loco sumpsit vocabulum; nascitur enim in oppido vel regione Aegypti Nitria, ex quo et medicinae fiunt et sordes corporum vestiumque lavantur. Huius natura non multum a sale distat; habet enim virtutem salis et similiter oritur canescentibus siccitate litoribus.

[7] Nitre took its name from a place; for it is produced in the town or region of Egypt called Nitria, from which both medicines are made and the stains of bodies and garments are washed away. Its nature does not differ much from salt; for it has the virtue of salt and similarly arises on shores canescent from dryness.

[8] Aphronitrum Graece, Latine spuma nitri est. De quo quidam ait (Mart. 14,58):

[8] Aphronitrum in Greek; in Latin it is the foam of nitre. About which someone says (Mart. 14,58):

Rusticus es? nescis quid Graeco nomine dicar:
spuma vocor nitri. Graecus es? aphronitrum.

Are you a rustic? You do not know what I am called by the Greek name:
I am called foam of nitre. Are you a Greek? aphronitrum.

Colligitur autem in Asia in speluncis distillans, dehinc siccatur sole. Optimum putatur si minime fuerit ponderosum et maxime friabile, colore pene purpureo.

It is collected in Asia, distilling in caves, then dried by the sun. It is considered optimal if it be least ponderous and most friable, with a color almost purple.

[9] Chalcantum dictum quia chalcitis est thymum, id est flos; unde et apud Latinos aeris flos appellatur. Fit autem nunc multis in regionibus; olim in Hispaniae puteis vel stagnis id genus aquae habentibus, quam decoquebant et in piscinas ligneas fundebant, adpendentes super eas restes lapillis extentas, quibus limus in similitudinem vitreis acinis adhaerebat, sicque eiectum siccabatur diebus triginta.

[9] It is called chalcantum because chalcitis is the thymum, that is, the flower; whence also among the Latins it is appellated the flower of copper. And now it is made in many regions; formerly in the wells or pools of Spain that had that kind of water, they would boil it down and pour it into wooden vats, hanging over them ropes stretched out and weighted with little stones, to which the slime adhered in the likeness of vitreous berries, and thus taken out it was dried for 30 days.

[10] Fit autem nunc alibi in speluncis, quod liquide collectum dehinc diffusum in quosdam botros solidatur: fit et in scrobibus cavatis, quorum e lateribus decadentes guttae coalescunt: fit et salis modo ex flagrantissimo sole. Adeo autem constrictae virtutis est ut in leonum et ursorum ora sparsum tantam vim habeat adstringendi ut non valeant mordere.

[10] But now it is also produced elsewhere in caves, what is collected in liquid form thereafter being poured out into certain vats and solidified; it is also produced in hollowed pits, where droplets descending from the sides coalesce; it is also produced, in the manner of salt, by the most blazing sun. Moreover, it is of so constricted and astringent a virtue that, when sprinkled into the mouths of lions and bears, it has such force of constricting that they are not able to bite.

III. DE LAPIDIBVS VVLGARIBVS.

3. ON COMMON STONES.

[1] Lapis a terra tamquam densior etiam vulgo discernitur. Lapis autem dictus quod laedat pedem. Lapis mollis est et sparsus; saxa haerent et a montibus exciduntur; petra Graecum est; silex est durus lapis, eo quod exiliat ab eo ignis dictus.

[1] Stone is even commonly discerned from earth as if denser. Moreover, it is called lapis because it wounds the foot. A stone is soft and scattered; rocks cling fast and are cut out from mountains; petra is Greek; flint is a hard stone, so called because fire leaps out from it.

[2] Scopulus a saxo eminenti, quasi ab speculando dictus; sive a tegimento navium, APO TOU SKEPEIN. SPELAIA Graece, speluncae Latine. Est autem rupis cavata.

[2] Scopulus, from a projecting rock, as if named from “watching out”; or from the sheltering of ships, APO TOU SKEPEIN. SPELAIA in Greek, speluncae in Latin. Moreover, it is a hollowed crag.

[3] Crepido extremitas saxi abrupta; unde et crepido vocata quod sit abrupti saxi altitudo, sicut 'haeret pede pes densus' (Virg. Aen. 10,361); unde et vocatur.

[3] Crepido, the abrupt extremity of a rock; whence it is also called crepido because it is the height of a broken-off rock, just as 'haeret pede pes densus' (Virg. Aen. 10,361); whence also it is named.

Cautes aspera saxa in mari, dictae a cavendo, quasi cautae. Murices petrae in litore similes muricis vivis, acutissimae et navibus perniciosae.

Cautes, rough rocks in the sea, called from “beware” (from cavere), as if “cautae.” Murices, rocks on the shore similar to living murexes, very sharp and pernicious to ships.

[4] Icon saxum est, qui humanae vocis sonum captans, etiam verba loquentium imitatur: icon autem Graece, Latine imago vocatur, eo quod ad vocem respondens alieni efficitur imago sermonis; licet hoc quidem et locorum natura evenit, ac plerumque convallium.

[4] An icon is a stone which, catching the sound of the human voice, even imitates the words of those speaking: moreover icon in Greek, in Latin is called an image, because, responding to the voice, it becomes the image of another’s discourse; although indeed this also happens by the nature of places, and very often of valleys.

[5] Calculus est lapillus terrae admixtus, rotundus atque durissimus, et omni puritate lenissimus. Dictus autem calculus quod sine molestia brevitate sui calcetur: cuius contrarius est scrupus, lapillus minutus et asper, qui si inciderit in calciamentum, nocet et molestia est animo; unde et animi molestiam scrupulum dicimus: hinc et scrupea saxa, id est aspera.

[5] A calculus is a little stone admixed with earth, rounded and very hard, and with all polish exceedingly smooth. It is called a calculus because, by reason of its smallness, it is trodden without annoyance; its contrary is the scrupus, a minute and rough pebble, which, if it falls into the footwear, harms and is a vexation to the mind; whence we also call a vexation of mind a scruple: hence also “scrupea” rocks, that is, rough.

[6] Cotis nomen accepit quod ferrum ad incidendum acuat; ÝcotisÝ enim Graeco sermone incisio nominatur. Ex his aliae aquariae sunt, aliae oleo indigent in acuendo, sed oleum lenem; aquae aciem acerrimam reddunt.

[6] The whetstone has received its name because it sharpens iron for cutting; for ÝcotisÝ in the Greek tongue is called incision. Of these, some are water-stones, others need oil for sharpening—yet a gentle oil; water makes the edge the keenest.

[7] Pumex vocatur eo quod spumae densitate concretus fiat; et est aridus, candore parvus, tantamque naturam refrigerandi habens ut in vas missus musta fervere desinant.

[7] It is called pumice because it is concreted by the density of foam; and it is arid, of little whiteness, and having such a nature of refrigerating that, when cast into a vessel, the musts cease to seethe.

[8] Rudus artifices appellant lapides contusos et calce admixtos, quos in pavimentis faciendis supurfundunt; unde et rudera dicuntur.

[8] “Rudus” the artificers call stones crushed and admixed with lime, which they pour over when making pavements; whence “rudera” also are so called.

[9] Gypsum cognatum calci est; et est Graecum nomen. Plura eius genera; omnium autem optimum lapidi speculari. Est enim signis aedificiorum et coronis gratissimus.

[9] Gypsum is cognate to lime; and it is a Greek name. There are several kinds of it; but the best of all is that for the specular stone. For it is most pleasing for the ornaments of buildings and for cornices.

[10] Calcis viva dicta quia dum sit tactu frigida, intus occultum continet ignem, unde et perfusa aqua statim latens ignis erumpit. Natura eius mirum aliquid facit. Postquam enim arserit, aquis incenditur, quibus solet ignis extingui; oleo extinguitur, quo solet ignis accendi.

[10] Quicklime is called “living” because, though it is cold to the touch, it contains a hidden fire within, whence also, when perfused with water, the latent fire immediately erupts. Its nature does something wondrous: after it has burned, it is ignited by waters, by which fire is wont to be extinguished; it is extinguished by oil, by which fire is wont to be kindled.

Vsus eius structuris fabricae necessarius. Nam lapis lapidi non potest adhaerere fortius nisi calce coniunctus. Calcis e lapide albo et duro melior structuris, ex molle utilis tectoriis.

Its use is necessary for the structures of fabrication. For a stone cannot adhere to a stone more strongly unless conjoined with lime. Lime from a white and hard stone is better for structures; from a soft stone it is useful for plasters.

[11] Arena ab ariditate dicta, non ab adhaerendo in fabricis, ut quidam volunt. Huius probatio, si manu inpressa stridet, aut si in vestem candidam sparsa nihil sordis relinquat.

[11] Sand is so called from aridity, not from adhering in buildings, as certain persons would have it. Its proof: if, when pressed with the hand, it grates; or if, when scattered upon a white garment, it leaves no dirt.

IV. DE LAPIDIBVS INSIGNIORIBVS.

4. ON THE MORE NOTEWORTHY STONES.

[1] Magnes lapis Indicus ab inventore vocatus. Fuit autem in India primum repertus, clavis crepidarum baculique cuspide haerens, cum armenta idem Magnes pasceret; postea et passim inventus. Est autem colore ferrugineus, sed probatur cum ferro adiunctus eius fecerit raptum.

[1] The Magnes stone, Indian, called after its inventor. It was first found in India, clinging to the nails of sandals and to the tip of a staff, while that same Magnes was pasturing the herds; afterwards it was found everywhere. It is of a ferrugineous color, but it is proved when, joined to iron, it has made a seizure of it.

Nam adeo adprehendit ferrum ut catenam faciat anulorum: unde et cum vulgus ferrum vivum appellat.

For it so apprehends iron that it makes a chain of rings: whence also the vulgar call it “living iron.”

[2] Liquorem quoque vitri ut ferrum trahere creditur; cuius tanta vis est, ut refert beatissimus Augustinus (Civ. 21,4), quod quidam eundem magneten lapidem tenuerit sub vase argenteo, ferrumque super argentum posuerit, deinde subtermovente manu cum lapide ferrum cursim desuper movebatur. Vnde factum est ut in quodam templo simulacrum e ferro pendere in aere videretur.

[2] The liquor of glass also is believed to draw iron; whose force is so great, as the most blessed Augustine relates (Civ. 21,4), that a certain man held that same magnetic stone beneath a silver vessel, and placed iron upon the silver; then, with his hand moving underneath with the stone, the iron was swiftly moved above. Whence it came about that in a certain temple an image of iron seemed to hang in the air.

Est quippe et alius in Aethiopia magnes qui ferrum omne abigit respuitque. Omnis autem magnes tanto melior est quanto magis caeruleus est.

There is indeed also another magnet in Ethiopia which drives away and repels all iron. Moreover, every magnet is the better, the more cerulean it is.

[3] Gagates lapis primum inventus est in Sicilia, Gagatis fluminis fluore reiectus; unde et nominatus, licet in Brittania sit plurimus. Est autem niger, planus, levis et ardens igni admotus. Fictilia ex eo scripta non delentur; incensus serpentes fugat, daemoniacos prodit, virginitatem deprehendit; mirumque, accenditur aqua, oleo restinguitur.

[3] The Gagates stone (jet) was first found in Sicily, cast up by the flow of the Gagates river; whence also it was named, although in Britain it is very plentiful. It is black, flat, light, and burns when brought near to fire. Earthenware written upon with it is not erased; when ignited it puts serpents to flight, exposes demoniacs, detects virginity; and marvelously, it is kindled by water, and is quenched by oil.

[4] Asbestos Arcadiae lapis ferrei coloris, ab igne nomen sortitus eo quod accensus semel numquam extinguitur. De quo lapide mechanicum aliquid ars humana molita est, quod gentiles capti sacrilegio mirarentur. Denique in templo quodam fuisse Veneris fanum, ibique candelabrum et in eo lucernam sub divo sic ardentem ut eam nulla tempestas, nullus imber extingueret.

[4] Asbestos, a stone of Arcadia, of iron color, having received its name from fire because, once kindled, it is never extinguished. About which stone human art wrought some mechanical thing, at which the gentiles, taken captive by sacrilege, would marvel. Finally, in a certain temple there was a shrine of Venus, and there a candelabrum, and on it a lamp under the open sky, burning in such a way that no storm, no rain would extinguish it.

[5] Pyrites Persicus lapis fulvus, aeris simulans qualitatem, cuius plurimus ignis, siquidem facile scintillas emittit: hic tenentis manum, si vehementius prematur, adurit, propter quod ab igne nomen accepit. Est alius pyrites vulgaris, quem vivum lapidem appellant, qui ferro vel lapide percussus scintillas emittit, quae excipiuntur sulpure vel aliis fungis vel foliis, et dicto celerius praebet ignem. Hunc vulgus focarem petram vocant.

[5] Pyrites, a Persian stone, fulvous, simulating the quality of bronze, in which there is very much fire, since it easily emits sparks: this scorches the hand of the one holding it, if it be pressed more vehemently, on account of which it received its name from fire. There is another common pyrites, which they call the living stone, which, when struck with iron or with a stone, emits sparks, which are caught on sulphur or on other tinder-fungi or leaves, and quicker than speech it furnishes fire. This the common folk call the fire-making stone.

[6] Selenites, qui Latine lunaris interpretatur, eo quod interiorem eius candorem cum luna crescere atque deficere aiunt, gignitur in Persida.

[6] Selenite, which in Latin is interpreted as lunar, because they say that its inner brightness grows and wanes with the moon, is produced in Persia.

[7] Dionysius lapis fuscus et rubentibus notis sparsus. Vocatur autem ita quia, si aquae mixtus conteratur, vinum fragrat, et quod in illo mirum est, ebrietati resistit.

[7] The Dionysius stone, dark and sprinkled with reddish marks. And it is called thus because, if, mixed with water, it is ground, it is fragrant with wine; and what is marvelous in it is that it resists drunkenness.

[8] Thracius niger et sonorus; nascitur in flumine cuius nomen est Pontus in Equitia.

[8] Thracian, black and sonorous; it is produced in the river whose name is Pontus in Equitia.

[9] Phrygius lapis ex loco traxit vocabulum; nascitur enim in Phrygia, colore pallidus, mediocriter gravis. Est autem gleba pumicosa. Vritur antea vino perfusus flatusque follibus donec rubescat, ac rursus dulce vino extinguitur ternis vicibus, tinguendis vestibus tantum utilis.

[9] The Phrygian stone has drawn its appellation from the place; for it is found in Phrygia, pale in color, moderately heavy. Moreover, it is a pumiceous clod. It is burned beforehand, steeped with wine and blown with bellows until it reddens, and again it is quenched with sweet wine three times, useful only for dyeing garments.

[10] Syrius lapis a Syria, ubi reperitur, appellatus; hic integer fluctuari traditur, comminutus mergi.

[10] The Syrian stone, so named from Syria, where it is found; this, when whole, is handed down to float, when broken up, to sink.

[11] Arabicus similis est eboris sine ulla macula. Hic defricatus ad cotem sucum dimittit croco similem.

[11] The Arabic stone is like ivory, without any stain. When rubbed on a whetstone, it releases a juice similar to saffron.

[12] Iudaicus lapis albus est atque in schemate glandis, scripturis subinvicem modulatus, quas Graeci GRAMMAS vocant.

[12] The Judaic stone is white and in the schema of an acorn, modulated with inscriptions in alternation, which the Greeks call GRAMMAS.

[13] Samius a Samo insula, ubi reperitur, vocatus: et est gravis et candidus, poliendo auro utilis.

[13] The Samian, so called from the island of Samos, where it is found, is heavy and bright-white, useful for polishing gold.

[14] Memphitis vocatus a loco Aegypti; et est gemmantis naturae. Hic tritus atque in his quae urenda sunt et secanda ex aceto inlinitus ita obstupescere facit corpus ut non sentiat cruciatum.

[14] Memphitis, called from a place of Egypt; and it is of a gemmous nature. This, when ground and, on those who are to be burned and cut, smeared on with vinegar, so stupefies the body that it does not feel the torment.

[15] Sarcophagus lapis dictus eo quod corpora defunctorum condita in eo infra quadraginta dies absumuntur; SOROS enim Graece arca dicitur, FAGEIN comedere. Nascitur autem in Troade, fissilique vena scinditur. Sunt et eiusdem generis in oriente saxa, quae etiam viventibus alligata erodunt corpora.

[15] Sarcophagus stone is so called because the bodies of the deceased, laid in it, are consumed within forty days; for SOROS in Greek is called a chest, FAGEIN to eat. It is born in the Troad, and is cut along a fissile vein. There are also stones of the same kind in the East, which, even when bound to living persons, erode the bodies.

[16] Mitiores autem servandis corporibus nec absumendis haematites appellatus, eo quod cote resolutus in colorem veniat sanguinis. Est autem ammodum lividus; est et ferrugineus. Nascitur in ultima Aegypti, Babylonia et Hispania.

[16] But the milder stone, for preserving bodies and not consuming them, is called hematite, because, when ground on a whetstone, it comes to the color of blood. It is indeed somewhat livid; it is also ferruginous. It is found in the farthest part of Egypt, in Babylonia, and in Spain.

[17] Androdamantus colore niger, pondere et duritia insignis, unde et nomen traxit, praecipuus reperitur in Africa. Trahere autem in se argentum vel aes dicitur, quique adtritus, ut haematites, in colorem redigitur sanguinis.

[17] Androdamantus, black in color, distinguished by weight and hardness, whence also it has drawn its name, is chiefly found in Africa. It is said to draw to itself silver or bronze, and, when rubbed, like haematites, it is reduced into the color of blood.

[18] Schistos invenitur in ultima Hispania, croco similis, cum levi fulgore, facile friabilis.

[18] Schistos is found in the farthest part of Spain, similar to crocus (saffron), with a light luster, easily friable.

[19] Amiantos appellatus a veteribus eo quod, si ex ipso vestis fuerit contexta, contra ignem resistat et igni inposita non ardeat, sed splendore accepto nitescat; et est scissi aluminis similis, veneficiis resistens omnibus, specialiter magorum.

[19] Amiantos, so called by the ancients because, if a garment has been woven from it, it resists fire and, when placed on the fire, does not burn, but, having received a splendor, gleams; and it is similar to cleft alum, resisting all veneficia, especially those of the magi.

[20] Batrachites similis est testae laminis scissibilis. Galactites colore cinereus, gustu suavis; sed ideo vocatus quod quiddam de se lacteum adtritus dimittat.

[20] Batrachites is similar to a shell, with laminae that are scissile. Galactites is ashen in color, pleasant to the taste; but it is called thus because, when rubbed, it lets forth something milky from itself.

[21] Obsius lapis niger est translucidus et vitri habens similitudinem. Ponitur in speculis parietum propter imaginum umbras reddendas. Gemmas multi ex eo faciunt: nascitur in India et in Sam(ni)o Italiae.

[21] The Obsius stone is black, translucent, and having the similitude of glass. It is set in wall-mirrors for rendering the shadows of images. Many make gems from it: it is found in India and in Samnium of Italy.

Mithridax lapis Euphratis sole [re]percussus coloribus micat variis.

The Mithridax stone of the Euphrates, when struck by the sun, gleams with various colors.

[22] Aetites lapides reperiuntur in nidis aquilarum. Aiunt binos inveniri, marem et feminam, nec sine his parere aquilas: horum masculus durus, similis gallae, subrutilis; femineus vero pusillus ac mollis. Alligati partus celeritatem faciunt, etiam aliquibus aliquid vulvae excidunt, niso cito parturientibus auferantur.

[22] Aetites stones are found in the nests of eagles. They say a pair are found, male and female, and that eagles do not bring forth without these: of these, the male is hard, like a gall, somewhat reddish; the female, however, is tiny and soft. When tied on, they bring about swiftness of delivery; yet in some they cause something of the vulva to fall out, unless they be removed quickly from parturient women when they strain.

[23] Phengites Cappadociae lapis, duritia marmoris, candidus atque translucens; ex quo quondam templum constructum est a quodam rege foribus aureis, quibus clausis claritas intus diurna erat.

[23] Phengites, a stone of Cappadocia, with the hardness of marble, shining-white and translucent; from which once a temple was constructed by a certain king with golden doors, and when these were closed there was diurnal brightness within.

[24] (Ch)emites ebori similis, in quo Darium conditum ferunt, Parioque similis candore et duritia, minus tantum ponderosus, qui porus vocatur.

[24] (Ch)emites, similar to ivory, in which they report Darius was entombed, and similar to Parian in candor and hardness, only less ponderous, which is called porus.

[25] Ostracites vocatus quod similitudinem testae habeat: usus eius pro pumice.

[25] Ostracites, so called because it has the likeness of a potsherd: its use is in place of pumice.

[26] Melanites lapis dictus est eo quod melleum et dulcem sucum emittat.

[26] The stone Melanites is said to be so called because it emits a honeyed and sweet succus.

[27] Smyris lapis asper et indomitus et omnia adterens, ex quo lapide gemmae teruntur.

[27] The Smyris stone, rough and untamed and wearing down all things, from which stone gems are ground.

[28] Chrysites colore similis ochrae invenitur in Aegypto.

[28] Chrysites, similar in color to ochre, is found in Egypt.

[29] [H]ammites similis nitro, sed durior, gignitur [in] Aegypto vel [in] Arabia.

[29] [H]ammites, similar to nitre, but harder, is produced [in] Egypt or [in] Arabia.

[30] Thyites nascitur in Aethiopia veluti viridis, sed lacteus cum resolvitur, remordens vehementer.

[30] Thyites is found in Ethiopia as if green, but lacteous when it is dissolved, biting back vehemently.

[31] Coranus albus est duriorque Pario.

[31] Coranus is white and harder than Parian.

[32] Molotius veluti viridis et gravis invenitur in Aegypto.

[32] Molotius, as it were green and heavy, is found in Egypt.

[33] Tusculanus, a loco Italiae dictus, dissilire igni traditur.

[33] The Tusculan, named from a locality of Italy, is reported to burst apart in fire.

[34] Sabinus fuscus addito oleo etiam lucere fertur. Est et quidam viridis lapis vehementer igni resistens.

[34] The Sabinus, dusky, is said even to shine when oil is added. And there is also a certain green stone vehemently resisting fire.

[35] Siphnius mollis et candidus, excalfactus oleo nigrescit atque durescit.

[35] The Siphnian stone, soft and bright-white, when warmed with oil, blackens and hardens.

[36] Lapides quoque medicinalium mortariorum et pigmentorum usibus apti: etesius praecipuus et inde chalazius; Thebaicus quoque et basanites lapides nihil ex sese remittentes.

[36] Stones also suitable for the uses of medicinal mortars and pigments: the Etesian is preeminent, and next the Chalazian; likewise the Thebaic and the Basanites stones, remitting nothing of themselves.

[37] Specularis lapis vocatus est quod vitri more transluceat; repertus primum in Hispania citeriori circa Segobricam urbem. Invenitur enim sub terra et effossus exciditur atque finditur in quamlibet tenues crustas.

[37] It is called specular stone because it is translucent after the manner of glass; first discovered in Hither Spain around the city of Segobriga. For it is found beneath the earth, and when dug out it is hewn and split into crusts as thin as one pleases.

V. DE MARMORIBVS.

5. ON MARBLES.

[1] Post lapidum genera veniemus ad marmora. Nam inter lapides et marmora differentia est. Nam marmora dicuntur eximii lapides, qui maculis et coloribus commendantur.

[1] After the kinds of stones we will come to marbles. For between stones and marbles there is a difference. For marbles are called select stones, which are commended by spots and colors.

Marmor sermo Graecus est a viriditate vocatus, et quamvis postea et alii coloris inveniantur, nomen tamen pristinum a viriditate retinuerunt.

Marble is a Greek word, called from viridity; and although later marbles are found of other color, nevertheless they have retained the pristine name from viridity.

[2] Marmorum colores et genera innumerabilia sunt. Non tamen omnia e rupibus exciduntur, sed multa sub terra sparsa sunt et pretiosissimi generis, sicut Lacedaemonium viride cunctisque hilarius, repertum prius apud Lacedaemonios, unde et vocabulum traxit.

[2] The colors and kinds of marbles are innumerable. Yet not all are cut from crags, but many are scattered under the earth and are of the most precious kind, such as the Laconian green, more cheerful than all, first found among the Lacedaemonians, whence it also drew its appellation.

[3] Ophites serpentium maculis simile, unde et vocabulum sumpsit. Duo eius genera: molle candidum, nigrum durum.

[3] Ophites is similar to the spots of serpents, whence also it took its name. Two genera of it: a soft white, a hard black.

[4] Augusteum et Tiberium in Aegypto Augusti ac Tiberii primum principatu reperta sunt. Differentia eorum est ab ophite, quum illud, ut praediximus, serpentium maculis sit simile, haec maculas diverso modo colligunt. Nam Augusteum undatim est crispum in vertices; Tiberium sparsa, non convoluta, canitie.

[4] The Augusteum and the Tiberium were first found in Egypt in the principate of Augustus and of Tiberius. Their difference from ophites is this: while that, as we have said, is similar to the spots of serpents, these gather their spots in a different way. For the Augusteum is wavy, crimped into whorls; the Tiberium has its hoary speckling scattered, not convoluted.

[5] Porphyrites in Aegypto est rubens, candidis intervenientibus punctis. Nominis eius causa quod rubeat [ut] purpura.

[5] Porphyrites in Egypt is red, with white points intervening. The cause of its name is that it is red [as] purple.

[6] Basanites ferrei coloris sive duritiae; unde et nomen ei datum est: inventus in Aegypto et Aethiopia.

[6] Basanites is of the color or the hardness of iron; whence also its name has been given to it: found in Egypt and Ethiopia.

[7] Alabastrites lapis candidus, intertinctus variis coloribus, ex quo Evangelici illius unguenti vasculum fuit. Cavant enim hunc ad vasa unguentaria, quoniam optime servare incorrupta dicitur. Nascitur circa Thebas Aegyptias et Damascum Syriae, ceteris candidior, probatissimus vero in India.

[7] The alabastrite stone is white, intertinct—tinged—with various colors, from which was the little vessel of that Gospel unguent. For they hollow this out for vessels of unguents, since it is said to preserve things uncorrupted most excellently. It is produced around Egyptian Thebes and Damascus of Syria, whiter than the rest, and most approved in India.

[8] Parius candoris eximii, lygdinus cognomento: hic apud Paron insulam nascitur, unde et Parius nuncupatus. Magnitudo eius, qua lances craterasque non excedat; unguentis et ipse aptus.

[8] Parius of exceptional candor, by the cognomen “lygdīnus”: this is produced on the island of Paros, whence it is also named Parius. Its magnitude is such that it does not exceed platters and kraters; it too is suited for unguents.

[9] Coralliticus in Asia repertus, mensurae non ultra cubita bina, candore proximo eboris et quadam similitudine. E diverso niger Alabandicus terrae suae nomine nuncupatus, purpurae aspectu similis. Iste in oriente igni liquatur atque ad usum vitri funditur.

[9] The corallitic, found in Asia, of measure not beyond two cubits, in candor next to ivory and with a certain similarity. Conversely, the black Alabandic, named by the name of its own land, similar to the appearance of purple. This one in the East is liquefied by fire and is poured for the use of glass.

[10] Thebaicus interstinctus aureis guttis invenitur in parte Aegypti adscripta, coticulis ad terenda collyria quadam utilitute naturali conveniens. Syenites circa Syenem vel Thebas nascitur.

[10] Thebaic, interspotted with golden drops, is found in the part assigned to Egypt, suitable, by a certain natural utility, for coticules for grinding collyria. Syenite is produced around Syene or Thebes.

[11] Trabes ex eo fecere reges.

[11] Kings made beams from it.

[12] Marmora autem, quae in officinis rupibusque gignuntur: ex quibus Thasius diversi coloris maculis distinctus, cuius primum usum insulae Cyclades dederunt.

[12] The marbles, however, which are generated in workshops and on crags: among which the Thasian, distinguished with maculations of diverse color, whose first use the Cyclades islands furnished.

[13] Lesbius lividior est paulo huic, sed et ipse diversi coloris maculas habens.

[13] The Lesbian is a little more livid than this one, but it too has maculations of diverse color.

[14] Corintheus ammoniacae guttae similis cum varietate diversorum colorum. Corintho primum repertus. Ex eo columnae ingentes liminaque fiunt ac trabes.

[14] Corinthian, like a drop of ammoniac, with a variety of diverse colors. First discovered at Corinth. From it huge columns and thresholds and beams are made.

[15] Caristeum viride, optimum; nomen ab aspectu habens, eo quod gratus sit his qui gemmas sculpunt; eius enim viriditas reficit oculos.

[15] The Carystian green, the best; having its name from its aspect, because it is pleasing to those who sculpt gems; for its greenness refreshes the eyes.

[16] Numidicum marmor Numidia mittit: ad cutem sucum dimittit croco similem, unde et nomen accepit; non crustis, sed in massa et liminum usu aptum.

[16] Numidia sends Numidian marble: it lets out to the skin a juice saffron-like, whence also it received its name; not in crusts (veneers), but in mass, and apt for the use of thresholds.

[17] Luculleum marmor nascitur in Melo insula; cui Lucullus consul nomen dedit, qui delectatus illo primus Romam invexit; solumque pene hoc marmor ab amatore nomen accepit.

[17] Lucullian marble is found on the island of Melos; to which the consul Lucullus gave the name, who, delighted by it, first brought it into Rome; and almost this marble alone received a name from an admirer.

[18] Est et Lunensis. Tephrias appellatus a colore cineris, cuius lapidis alligatio contra serpentes laudatur.

[18] There is also the Lunensian. Tephrias, so called from the color of ash, the ligation of which stone against serpents is praised.

[19] Ebur a barro, id est elephanto, dictum. Horatius (Epod. 12,1):

[19] Ivory is said to be from barro, that is, the elephant. Horace (Epodes 12,1):

Quid tibi vis, mulier, nigris dignissima barris?

What do you want, woman, most worthy of black elephants?

VI. DE GEMMIS.

6. ON GEMS.

[1] Post marmorum genera gemmae secuntur, quae multum auri decorem tribuunt venustate colorum. Primordia eius a rupe Caucaso. Fabulae ferunt Prometheum primum fragmentum saxi eius inclusisse ferro ac digito circumdasse, hisque initiis coepisse anulum atque gemmam.

[1] After the kinds of marbles, gems follow, which bestow much of gold’s adornment by the loveliness of colors. Its origins are from the Caucasian rock. Tales relate that Prometheus first enclosed a fragment of that stone in iron and put it around a finger, and that from these beginnings the ring and the gem began.

[2] Genera gemmarum innumerabilia esse traduntur, e quibus nos ea tantum quae principalia sunt sive notissima adnotavimus. Gemmae vocatae quod instar gummi transluceant. Pretiosi lapides ideo dicti sunt quia care valent, sive ut a vilibus discerni possint, seu quod rari sint.

[2] The kinds of gems are reported to be innumerable, of which we have annotated only those which are principal or most well-known. They are called gemmae because, in the likeness of gum, they are translucent. Precious stones are so named for this reason: because they are dear in price, or so that they may be distinguished from cheap ones, or because they are rare.

Omne enim quod rarum est magnum et pretiosum vocatur; sicut et in Samuelis volumine legitur (1 Reg. 3,1): 'Et sermo Domini pretiosus erat in Israel,' hoc est rarus.

For everything that is rare is called great and precious; just as also in the volume of Samuel it is read (1 Kings 3:1): 'And the word of the Lord was precious in Israel,' that is, rare.

VII. DE VIRIDIORIBVS GEMMIS.

7. ON THE GREENER GEMS.

[1] Omnium gemmarum virentium smaragdus principatum habet, cui veteres tertiam post margaritas et uniones tribuunt dignitatem. Smaragdus a nimia viriditate vocatus; omne enim satis viride amarum dicitur. Nullis enim gemmis vel herbis maior huic austeritas est; nam herbas virentes frondesque exsuperat, inficiens circa se viriditate repercussum aerem.

[1] Of all verdant gems the emerald holds the primacy, to which the ancients assign the third dignity after pearls and uniones. The emerald is called from its excessive greenness; for everything sufficiently green is called “bitter.” For no gems or herbs have a greater austerity than this; for it surpasses green herbs and leaves, dyeing the air around itself with greenness by its reflection.

Sculpentibus quoque gemmas nulla gratior oculorum refectio est. Cuius corpus si extentum est, sicut speculum ita imagines reddit. Quippe Nero Caesar gladiatorum pugnas in smaragdo spectabat.

For those who sculpt gems as well, there is no more pleasing refreshment of the eyes. Its body, if extended, renders images like a mirror. Indeed, Nero Caesar used to watch gladiators’ fights in an emerald.

[2] Genera eius duodecim, sed nobiliores Scythici, qui in Scythica gente reperiuntur. Secundum locum tenent Bactriani: colliguntur enim in commissuris saxorum flante Aquilone; tunc enim tellure deoperta intermicant, quia his ventis arenae maxime moventur. Tertium Aegyptii habent.

[2] Its genera are twelve, but the more noble are the Scythian, which are found among the Scythian people. The Bactrian hold second place: for they are gathered in the commissures of the rocks with Aquilo (the North Wind) blowing; for then, with the earth laid bare, they flash, because by these winds the sands are most moved. The Egyptians hold the third.

Reliqui in metallis aerariis inveniuntur, sed vitiosi; nam aut aeri, aut plumbo, vel capillamentis, vel sali[s] similes notas habent. Smaragdi autem mero et viridi proficiunt oleo, quamvis natura inbuantur.

The rest are found in copper mines, but are vitiated; for they have marks like either to copper, or to lead, or to capillary filaments, or to salt. Smaragds (emeralds), moreover, profit from pure and green oil, although they are imbued by nature.

[3] Chalcosmaragdus dicta quod viridis sit et turbida aereis venis. Haec in Aegypto vel Cypro insula nascitur.

[3] The Chalcosmaragdus is so called because it is green and turbid with aereous (bronze) veins. This is produced in Egypt or on the island of Cyprus.

[4] Prasius pro viridanti colore dictus, sed vilis. Cuius alterum genus sanguineis punctis abhorret. Tertium distinctum virgulis tribus candidis.

[4] Prasius, so named for its verdant color, but cheap. Another variety of it differs by blood-red specks. A third is distinguished by three small white streaks.

[5] Beryllus in India gignitur, ventis suae lingua nomen habens, viriditate similis smaragdo, sed cum pallore. Politur autem ab Indis in sexangulas formas, ut hebetudo coloris repercussu angulorum excitetur; aliter politus non habet fulgorem. Genera eius novem.

[5] Beryl is produced in India, bearing in its own language a name from the winds, in viridity similar to the emerald, but with pallor. It is polished by the Indians into hexangular forms, so that the dullness of the color may be enlivened by the reflection of the angles; polished otherwise, it does not have luster. Its kinds are nine.

[6] Chrysoberyllus dictus eo quod pallida eius viriditas in aureum colorem resplendeat. Et hunc India mittit.

[6] Chrysoberyl is so called because its pallid viridity resplends into a golden color. And India sends this.

[7] Chrysoprasus Indicus est, colore Š, porri sucum referens, aureis intervenientibus guttis, unde et nomen accepit. Quem quidam beryllorum generi adiudicaverunt.

[7] Chrysoprase is Indian, in color Š, recalling the juice of leek, with golden drops intervening, whence it also received its name. Some have adjudged it to the kind of beryls.

[8] Iaspis de Graeco in Latinum viridis gemma interpretatur; ias quippe viride, pinasin gemma dicitur. Est autem smaragdo subsimilis, sed crassi coloris. Species eius decem et septem.

[8] Jasper, from Greek into Latin, is interpreted as “green gem”; for ias indeed is said “green,” pinasin “gem.” Yet it is somewhat similar to the emerald, but of a thick color. There are seventeen species of it.

Volunt autem quidam iaspidem gemmam et gratiae et tutelae esse gestantibus, quod credere non fidei, sed superstitionis est.

But certain people maintain that the jasper gem is for those who wear it both of grace and of tutelary protection, which to believe is not of faith, but of superstition.

[9] Topazion ex virenti genere est omnique colore resplendens, inventa primum in Arabiae insula, in qua Trogodytae praedones fame et tempestate fessi quum herbarum radices effoderent, eruerunt. Quae insula postea quaesita nebulis cooperta tandem a navigantibus inventa. Sed ob hoc locus et gemma nomen ex causa accepit; nam TOPAZEIN Trogodytarum lingua significationem habet quaerendi.

[9] Topazion is of the verdant kind and resplendent with every color, first found on an island of Arabia, where Troglodyte pirates, wearied by hunger and storm, when they were digging up the roots of herbs, unearthed it. Which island, later sought, covered with mists, was at length found by sailors. But on this account the place and the gem received a name from the cause; for TOPAZEIN in the tongue of the Troglodytes has the signification of “seeking.”

Est autem amplissima gemmarum; eadem sola nobilium limam sentit. Genera eius duo.

It is, moreover, the most ample of gems; it alone among the noble ones feels the file. Its kinds are two.

[10] Callaica colore viridi, sed pallens et nimis crassa; nihil iucundius aurum decens; unde et appellata. Nascitur in India vel Germania in rupibus gelidis, oculi modo extuberans.

[10] The Callaica, green in color, but pallid and too thick; nothing more agreeable for adorning gold; whence also it is appellated. It is born in India or Germany on gelid crags, protuberant in the manner of eyes.

[11] Molochites spissius virens et crassior quam smaragdus a colore malvae nomen accepit, in reddendis laudata signis. Nascitur in Arabia.

[11] Molochites, more densely green and thicker than emerald, took its name from the color of the mallow; praised in rendering seals. It is found in Arabia.

[12] Heliotropia viridi colore et nubilo, stellis puniceis supersparsa cum sanguineis venis. Causa nominis de effectu lapidis est; nam deiecta in labris aeneis radios solis mutat sanguineo repercussu; extra aquam autem speculi modo solem accipit, deprehenditque defectus eius subeuntem lunam ostendens. Magorum inpudentiae manifestissimum in hoc quoque exemplum est, quoniam admixta herba heliotropio quibusdam additis precationibus gerentem conspici negent.

[12] Heliotrope of green color and cloudy, oversprinkled with puniceous stars with sanguineous veins. The cause of the name is from the effect of the stone; for, when dropped into bronze basins, it alters the rays of the sun by a blood-red repercussion; but outside the water it receives the sun in the manner of a mirror, and it detects his eclipses, showing the moon as it comes beneath. A most manifest example of the impudence of the Magi is in this also, since, with the heliotrope herb mixed in and certain precations added, they claim that the wearer cannot be seen.

Gignitur in Cypro et Africa, sed melior in Aethiopia.

It is produced in Cyprus and Africa, but it is better in Ethiopia.

[13] Sagda gemma prasini coloris apud Chaldaeos. Cuius tanta vis est ut permeantes naves e profundo petat, et carinis ita tenaciter adhaereat ut nisi abrasa parte ligni vix separetur.

[13] The Sagda gem, of prasinus (leek-green) color, among the Chaldaeans. Whose power is so great that it makes for ships passing through from the deep, and adheres to the keels so tenaciously that, unless a part of the wood is scraped off, it is scarcely separated.

[14] Myrrhites dicta est quod in ea myrrhae color est. Conpressus autem usque ad calorem nardi spirat suavitatem. Aromatitis reperitur in Arabia vel Aegypto, myrrhae coloris et odoris; unde et nomen habet.

[14] Myrrhites is so called because in it there is the color of myrrh. When compressed, even to the heat of nard, it breathes a sweetness. Aromatitis is found in Arabia or Egypt, of the color and odor of myrrh; whence also it has its name.

[15] Melichros bicolor ex una parte viridis, ex altera melli similis.

[15] Melichros, bicolored: on one side green, on the other similar to honey.

[16] Choaspitis a flumine Persarum dicta est, ex viridi fulgoris aurei.

[16] Choaspitis is called from the river of the Persians, of a green with golden radiance.

VIII. DE RVBRIS GEMMIS.

8. ON RED GEMS.

[1] Corallius gignitur in mari, forma ramosus, colore viridi sed maxime rubens. Bacae eius candidae sub aqua et molles; detractae confestim durantur et rubescunt, tactuque protinus lapidescunt. Itaque occupari evellique retibus solet, aut acri ferramento praecidi, qua de causa corallius vocitatus.

[1] Corallius is produced in the sea, branchy in form, green in color but most of all red. Its berries are white and soft under water; once removed they immediately harden and grow red, and at a touch they straightway turn to stone. Therefore it is wont to be seized and torn up with nets, or cut off with a sharp iron implement, for which cause it is called corallius.

Quantum autem apud nos margaritum Indicum pretiosum est, tantum apud Indos corallium. Hunc magi fulminibus resistere adfirmant, si creditur.

As precious as the Indian pearl is among us, so precious is coral among the Indians. The magi affirm that it resists thunderbolts, if one believes it.

[2] Sardius dicta eo quod reperta sit primum a Sardis: haec rubrum habet colorem marmoribus praestans, sed inter gemmas vilissima. Genera eius quinque.

[2] The sardius is so called because it was first found at Sardis: this has a red color, excelling marbles, but among gems it is the least valuable. Its kinds are five.

[3] Onyx appellata quod habeat in se permixtum candorem in similitudinem unguis humanae. Graeci enim unguem ONUCHAdicunt. Hanc India vel Arabia gignit; distant autem invicem; nam Indica igniculos habet albis cingentibus zonis, Arabica autem nigra est cum candidis zonis.

[3] Onyx is so named because it has within itself an intermingled whiteness, in the likeness of a human fingernail. For the Greeks call the nail ONUCHA. India or Arabia begets this; they, however, differ from one another; for the Indian kind has little sparklets with white zones encircling, while the Arabian is black with white zones.

Genera eius quinque.

Its kinds are five.

[4] Sardonyx ex duorum nominum societate vocata; est enim ex onychis candore et sardo. Constat autem tribus coloribus; subterius nigro, medio candido, superius mineo. Haec sola in signando nihil cerae avellit.

[4] Sardonyx, named from the association of two names; for it is from the whiteness of onyx and from sard. Moreover, it consists of three colors: beneath, black; in the middle, white; above, minium-red (vermilion). This alone, in sealing, takes away nothing of the wax.

Reperitur autem apud Indos et Arabes detecta torrentibus. Genera eius quinque.

It is found among the Indians and the Arabs, laid bare by torrents. Its kinds are five.

[5] Haematites rubore sanguineus, ac propterea haematites vocatus; AIMAquippe sanguis est. Gignitur in Aethiopia quidem principalis, sed in Arabia et in Africa invenitur. De qua promittunt magi quiddam ad coarguendas barbarorum insidias.

[5] Haematite, sanguineous with redness, and for that reason called “haematite”; for AIMA is blood. It is produced in Ethiopia as the principal kind, but is found in Arabia and in Africa. About it the magi promise something for exposing the ambushes of the barbarians.

[6] Sucinus, quem appellant Graeci ELEKTRON, fulvi cereique coloris, fertur arboris sucus esse et ob id sucinum appellari. Electrum autem vocari fabulosa argumentatio dedit. Namque Phaethonte fulminis ictu interempto sorores eius luctu mutatas in arbores populos, lacrimis electrum omnibus annis fundere iuxta Eridanum amnem; et electrum appellatum quoniam sol vocitatus sit Elector plurimi poetae dixere.

[6] Succinum (amber), which the Greeks call ELEKTRON, of fulvous and wax-like color, is said to be the sap of a tree and on that account to be called succinum. But that it is called electrum a fabulous rationale has supplied: for, when Phaethon was slain by a stroke of lightning, his sisters, changed by grief into poplar trees, every year pour forth electrum in their tears beside the river Eridanus; and that it was called electrum because the sun has been styled Elector, very many poets have said.

Constat autem eum non esse sucum populi, sed pineae arboris; nam accensus taedae nidore fragrat.

However, it is agreed that it is not the sap of the poplar, but of the pine tree; for, when kindled, it gives off the odor of a torch.

[7] Nascitur autem in insulis Oceani septentrionalis sicut gummis, densaturque ut crystallum rigore vel tempore. Ex ea fiunt decoris gratia agrestium feminarum monilia. Vocari autem a quibusdam harpaga, eo quod adtritu digitorum accepta caloris anima folia paleasque et vestium fimbrias rapiat, sicut magnes ferrum.

[7] Moreover, it is born on the islands of the northern Ocean like gums, and is densified like crystal by rigor or by time. From it, for the sake of adornment, necklaces of rustic women are made. And it is called by some harpaga, because, when by the rubbing of the fingers it has received a breath of heat, it snatches up leaves and chaff and the fringes of garments, just as the magnet [does] iron.

Quocumque autem modo libeat tinguitur; nam anchusae radice conchylioque inficiuntur.

And it is dyed in whatever way one likes; for they are dyed with the root of anchusa and with shellfish-purple.

[8] Lyncurius vocatus quod fiat ex urina lyncis bestiae tempore indurata. Est autem, sicut et sucinum, fulva, adtrahens spiritu folia propinquantia.

[8] Lyncurius, so called because it is made from the urine of the beast, the lynx, hardened with time. It is, moreover, like succinum (amber), tawny, attracting by its spirit the leaves that come near.

IX. DE PVRPVREIS.

9. ON PURPLES.

[1]Inter purpureas gemmasprincipatum amethystus Indicus tenet.Amethystus purpureus estpermixto violacio colore;et quasi rosae nitor,et leniter quasdam flammulas fundens.Alterum eius genus descenditad iacinthos.Causam nominis eius afferuntquia sit quiddam in purpura illiusnonex toto igneum,sed vini colorem habens.Est autem sculpturis facilis:genera eius quinque.

[1] Among purple gems the Indian amethyst holds the preeminence. The amethyst is purple with a mixed-in violaceous color; and, as it were, the luster of a rose, and gently effusing certain little flames. Another kind of it grades down toward hyacinths. They offer the cause of its name, because there is a certain something in its purple that is not entirely igneous, but has the color of wine. Moreover, it is easy for sculpture: its kinds are five.

[2]Sapphirus caeruleus est cum purpura, habens pulveres aureos sparsos; optimus apud Medos, nusquam tamen perlucidus.

[2] The sapphire is cerulean with purple, having golden powders sprinkled; the best is among the Medes, yet nowhere pellucid.

[3] Iacinthus ex nominis sui flore vocatus. Hic in Aethiopia invenitur, caeruleum colorem habens. Optimus, qui nec rarus est nec densitate obtunsus, sed ex utroque temperamento lucet purpuraque refulgens; hic autem non rutilat aequaliter.

[3] Jacinth is named from the flower of its own name. It is found in Ethiopia, having a blue color. The best is that which is neither porous nor blunted by density, but from a tempering of both it shines, and, gleaming with purple; yet it does not glow uniformly.

Sereno enim perspicuus atque gratus est, nubilo coram oculis evanescit atque marcescit, in os missus frigidus est, in sculpturis durissimus, nec tamen invictus. Nam adamante scribitur et signatur. Iacinthizonta Indicus et iacinthum prope referens.

For in clear weather it is perspicuous and pleasing, in cloudy weather it evanesces and withers before the eyes; when put into the mouth it is cold; in sculptures it is very hard, yet not invincible. For it is written upon and sealed with adamant. The Indian variety is hyacinth-tinged and nearly reproduces the hyacinth.

[4] Quidam autem eorum crystalli similes capillamentis intercurrentibus obscurantur; ex quo etiam vitio illorum nomen est.

[4] However, some of them, like to crystal, are obscured by intercurrent capillary filaments; from which blemish, too, their name is derived.

[5] Amethystizontas appellatus quia eius extremus igniculus in amethysti violam exit.

[5] Called Amethystizontas because its farthest little spark passes into the amethyst’s violet.

[6] Chelidonia ex hirundinum colore vocata; et duorum est generum, quarum una ex altera parte purpurea, et alia purpurea nigris intervenientibus maculis.

[6] Chelidonia, named from the color of swallows; and it is of two kinds, of which one is purple on the other side, and the other purple with intervening black spots.

[7] Cyanea Scythiae gemma caeruleo coruscans nitore, pura, interdum et punctulis intermicantibus auratis pulvisculis varians.

[7] The Cyanea, a gem of Scythia, coruscating with a cerulean brilliance, pure, and sometimes also varying with tiny twinkling points, diversified with golden dust-motes.

[8] Rhoditis rosea est; et ex eo nomen accepit.

[8] Rhoditis is roseate; and from this it received its name.

X. DE CANDIDIS.

10. ON THE WHITES.

[1] Margarita prima candidarum gemmarum, quam inde margaritum aiunt vocatum quod in conchulis maris hoc genus lapidum inveniatur; inest enim in carne cochleae calculus natus, sicut in cerebro piscis lapillus: gignitur autem de caelesti rore, quem certo anni tempore cocleae hauriunt. Ex quibus margaritis quidam uniones vocantur, aptum nomen habentes, quod tantum unus, numquam duo vel plures simul reperiantur. Meliores autem candidae margaritae quam quae flavescunt.

[1] The pearl is the foremost of white gemstones, which, they say, is thence called “margaritum” because this kind of stone is found in the sea’s shells; for in the flesh of the snail (cochlea) a little stone is born, just as in the brain of a fish a little pebble; moreover it is generated from celestial dew, which at a set time of the year the snails (cochleae) draw in. Of these pearls certain ones are called uniones, having a fitting name, because only a single one, never two or more at once, are found. White pearls, moreover, are better than those which grow yellow.

Illas enim aut iuventus aut matutini roris conceptio reddit candidas; has senectus vel vespertinus aer gignit obscuras.

For those, either youth or the conception of morning dew renders bright-white; these, old age or the evening air begets dark.

[2] Paederos secunda post margaritum candidarum gemmarum. De qua quaeritur in quo colore numerari debeat totiens iactati per alienas pulchritudines nominis, adeo ut decoris praerogativa vocabulo facta sit.

[2] Paederos is second after the pearl among white gems. About it there is inquiry in what color it ought to be numbered, its name so often vaunted through alien beauties, to such a degree that a prerogative of decor has been made for the very vocable.

[3] Asterites candida est, inclusam lucem continens veluti stellam intus ambulantem, redditque solis candicantes radios; unde et nomen invenit.

[3] Asterites is bright, containing enclosed light, as if a star moving within, and it gives back the sun’s candescent rays; whence also it finds its name.

[4] Galactitis lacteus est, qui adtritus reddit sucum album ad lactis saporem, feminis nutrientibus inligata fecundat ubera; infantium quoque collo suspensa salivam facere fertur, in ore autem liquescere et memoriam adimere. Mittunt eam Nilus et Achelous amnes. Sunt qui smaragdum albis venis circumligatum galactiten vocant.

[4] Galactite is milky, which, when rubbed, yields a white juice with the savor of milk; tied to nursing women it makes the breasts fecund; hung also on the neck of infants it is said to produce saliva, but in the mouth to liquefy and to take away memory. The rivers Nile and Achelous send it forth. There are those who call a smaragd (emerald) encircled with white veins a galactite.

[5] Chalazias grandinis et candorum praefert et figuram, duritia quoque invicta, ut adamas; etiam in ignes posita manere suum frigus.

[5] Chalazias bears forth both the whitenesses of hail and its figure, with a hardness unconquered, like the adamant; even when set into fires it keeps its own cold.

[6] Solis gemma candida est, traxitque nomen quod ad speciem solis in orbem fulgentis spargit radios.

[6] The Sun’s gem is bright-white, and it has drawn its name because, in the aspect of the sun, it scatters rays into a shining orb.

[7] Selenites translucet candido melleoque fulgore, imaginem continens lunae; quam iuxta cursum astri ipsius perhibent in dies singulos minui atque augeri. Nascitur in Persida.

[7] Selenite shines translucent with a candid and honeyed brilliance, containing the image of the Moon; which, according to the course of that star itself, they assert to diminish and increase day by day. It is found in Persia.

[8] Cinaedia invenitur in cerebro piscis eiusdem nominis, candida et oblonga. Praesagare his ferunt maris signa tranquillitatis vel tempestatis.

[8] Cinaedia is found in the brain of a fish of the same name, white and oblong. They say that by these the signs of the sea’s tranquillity or tempest are presaged.

[9] Beli oculus albicans pupillam cingit nigram e medio aureo fulgore lucentem, et propter speciem Assyriorum regi Belo dicatam; unde et appellata.

[9] The Eye of Bel, albescent, encircles a black pupil shining with a golden refulgence from the middle, and on account of its appearance it was dedicated to Bel, king of the Assyrians; whence also it is so named.

[10] Epimelas dicitur quum in candida gemma superne nigricat color; unde et nomen habet.

[10] Epimelas is said when, in a white gem, the color grows blackish on the upper side; whence it also has the name.

[11] Exebenus speciosa et candida, qua aurifices aurum poliunt.

[11] Exebenus, beautiful and white, with which aurificers polish gold.

XI. DE NIGRIS.

11. ON BLACK STONES.

[1] Achates reperta primum in Sicilia iuxta flumen eiusdem nominis, postea plurimis in terris. Est autem nigra, habens in medio circulos nigros et albos iunctos et variatos, similis haematiti. Magi suffitu earum, si creditur, tempestatus avertunt, flumina sistunt.

[1] Agate, first found in Sicily near a river of the same name, later in very many lands. But it is black, having in the middle black and white circles conjoined and variegated, similar to haematite. The Magi, by fumigation with them, if it be believed, turn away tempests and check rivers.

[2] Apsyctos nigra et ponderosa, distincta venis rubentibus. Haec excalefacta igni septem diebus calorem tenet.

[2] Apsyctos, black and ponderous, distinguished by ruddy veins. When heated by fire, it retains heat for seven days.

[3] Aegyptilla nigra est radice, caerulea facie, ex Aegypto, ubi invenitur, vocata.

[3] The Aegyptilla is black at the root, cerulean in face, named from Egypt, where it is found.

[4] Media nigra est, a Media illa fabulosa inventa. Habet venas aerei coloris; sudorem reddit croci, saporem vini.

[4] The Median is black, discovered in that fabled Media. It has veins of a brazen color; it gives off a crocus (saffron) sweat, a savor of wine.

[5] Veientana Italica gemma est, Veis reperta, nigra facie, albis intermicantibus notis. Bariptos nigra est cum sanguineis et albis notis.

[5] The Veientana is an Italic gem, found at Veii, black in appearance, with white twinkling marks. Bariptos is black with blood-red and white marks.

[6] Mesomelas nigra vena quemlibet colorem secante per medias. Veneris crines nigerrimi nitoris, continens in se speciem rufi crinis.

[6] Mesomelas is black, with a vein cutting whatever color through the middle. The Hair of Venus is of a most black brilliance, containing within itself the likeness of rufous hair.

[7] Trichrus ex Africa nigra est, sed tres sucos reddit, ab radice nigrum, e medio sanguineum, e summo ochrae.

[7] Trichrus from Africa is black, but it yields three juices: from the root, black; from the middle, sanguineous; from the top, of ochre.

[8] Dionysia nigra mixtis rubentibus notis ex aqua trita vinum fragrat, et odore suo ebrietati resistere putatur. Pyritis nigra quidem, sed adtritu digitos adurit.

[8] Dionysia, black with mixed ruddy marks, when rubbed in water is fragrant of wine, and by its odor is thought to resist inebriation. Pyrites is indeed black, but by friction it burns the fingers.

XII. DE VARIIS.

12. ON VARIOUS THINGS.

[1] Panchrus varius ex omnibus pene coloribus constans; unde et nominatus. Olca barbari nominis ex fulvo et nigro viridique et candido est.

[1] Panchrus, variegated, consisting of almost all colors; whence it is also named. Olca, of a barbarian name, is composed of tawny, black, green, and shining white.

[2] Mithridax sole percussa coloribus micat variis. Gignitur in Persida. Drosolithus varius.

[2] Mithridax, when struck by the sun, sparkles with diverse colors. It is produced in Persia. Drosolithus is variegated.

Nominis causa quia si ad ignem adplicetur, velut sudorem mittit.

The reason for the name is that, if it is applied to fire, it sends forth, as it were, sweat.

[3] Opalus distinctus diversarum colore gemmarum. Est enim in eo carbunculi tenuior ignis, amethysti fulgens purpura, smaragdi nitens viriditas, et cuncta pariter sub quadam varietate lucentia. Nomen habet ex patria; sola enim eum parturit India.

[3] The opal is variegated with the color of diverse gems. For in it there is the subtler fire of the carbuncle, the shining purple of the amethyst, the gleaming greenness of the emerald, and all together shining at once under a certain variety. It has its name from its homeland; for India alone brings it forth.

[4] Ponticae a Ponto dicuntur, genere diverso, nunc sanguineis, nunc auratis guttis micantes, aliae habentes stellas, aliae longis colorum ductibus lineatae.

[4] 'Pontic' they are called from the Pontus, of diverse kind, now gleaming with sanguine, now with aurate drops, some having stars, others lined with long streaks of colors.

[5] Hexecontalithos in parva magnitudine multicolor; unde et hoc sibi nomen adoptavit. Tam diversis enim notis sparsus est ut sexaginta gemmarum colores in parvo orbiculo eius deprehendantur. Nascitur autem in Libya apud Trogodytas.

[5] Hexecontalithos, multicolored in small magnitude; whence it has adopted this name for itself as well. For it is sprinkled with such diverse marks that sixty colors of gems are discerned in its little disk. It is found in Libya among the Troglodytes.

[6] Murrina apud Parthos gignitur, sed praecipua in Carmania. Humorem sub terra putant calore densatum; unde et nomen sumpsit. Varietas eius in purpuram candoremque et ignem cum quosdam colorum repercussus, quales in caelesti arcu spectantur.

[6] Murrhine is produced among the Parthians, but chiefly in Carmania. They think it a humor condensed under the earth by heat; whence also it took its name. Its variety is into purple, whiteness, and fire, with certain reflections of colors, such as are seen in the celestial arc.

Cuius contraria causa crystallum facit, gelu vehementiori concreto.

Its contrary cause makes crystal, frost concreted by more vehement cold.

XIII. DE CRYSTALLINIS.

13. ON CRYSTALS.

[1] Crystallus resplendens et aquosus colore. Traditur quod nix sit glacie durata per annos; unde et nomen ei Graeci dederunt. Gignitur autem in Asia et Cypro, maxime in septentrionum Alpibus, ubi nec aestate sol ferventissimus invenitur; ideoque ipsa diuturna et annosa duritia reddit hanc speciem quae crystallus dicitur.

[1] Crystal, resplendent and watery in color. It is handed down that it is snow hardened into ice through years; whence also the Greeks gave it its name. It is generated in Asia and Cyprus, most of all in the Alps of the North, where not even in summer is the most burning sun found; and therefore this long-lasting and years-old hardness itself renders the appearance that is called crystal.

Hic oppositus radiis solis adeo rapit flammam ut aridis fungis vel foliis ignem praebeat. Vsus eius etiam ad pocula destinatur: nihil autem aliud quam frigidum pati potest.

This, when opposed to the sun’s rays, so snatches flame that it provides fire to dry tinder-fungi or leaves. Its use is also destined for cups; however, it can suffer nothing other than cold.

[2] Adamans Indicus lapis parvus et indecorus, ferrugineum habens colorem et splendorem crystalli, numquam autem ultra magnitudinem nuclei Avellani repertus. Hic nulli cedit materiae, nec ferro quidem nec igni, nec umquam incalescit; unde et nomen interpretatione Graeca indomita vis accepit. Sed dum sit invictus ferri ignisque contemptor, hircino rumpitur sanguine recenti et calido maceratus, sicque multis ictibus ferri perfrangitur.

[2] The Adamant, an Indian stone, small and uncomely, having a ferrugineous color and the splendor of crystal, has never been found beyond the size of a hazelnut kernel. This yields to no material, neither to iron nor to fire, nor does it ever grow warm; whence also, by Greek interpretation, it has received the name “indomitable force.” But, though unconquered, a contemner of iron and fire, it is burst by he-goat’s blood, when soaked in it fresh and warm, and thus by many blows of iron it is shattered.

Cuius fragmenta sculptores pro gemmis insigniendis perforandisque utuntur.

Sculptors use its fragments for inscribing and perforating gems.

[3] Hic autem dissidet cum magnete lapide in tantum ut iuxta positus ferrum non patiatur abstrahi magnetem, aut si admotus magnes conprehenderit, rapiat atque auferat. Fertur quoque in electri similitudine venena deprehendere, metus vanos expellere, maleficis resistere artibus. Genera eius sex.

[3] This, however, is at odds with the magnet-stone to such a degree that, when placed nearby, it does not allow the magnet to draw away iron; or, if the magnet when brought near has seized it, it snatches and carries it off. It is also said, in the likeness of electrum (amber), to detect venoms, to drive out vain fears, to resist malefic arts. Its kinds are six.

[4] Chalazias grandinum et candorem et figuram adamantinae duritiae habet. Etiam in ignes posita manere suum frigus.

[4] Chalazias has the candor and figure of hailstones, and adamantine hardness. Even when set into fires it maintains its own cold.

[5] Cerauniorum duo genera sunt. Vnum, quod Germania mittit, crystallini simile, splendet tamen caeruleo, et si sub divo positum fuerit, fulgorem rapit siderum. Ceraunium alterum Hispania in Lusitanis litoribus gignit, cui color e pyropo rubenti, et qualitas ut ignis.

[5] There are two kinds of ceraunia. One, which Germany sends forth, similar to crystal, yet it shines cerulean, and if it is set beneath the open sky, it snatches the brilliance of the stars. The other ceraunium Spain produces on the Lusitanian shores, whose color is of glowing pyrope, and whose quality is like fire.

Haec adversus vim fulgurum opitulari fertur, si credimus. Dicta autem ceraunia quoniam alibi non inveniatur quam in loco fulmine icto proximo; Graece enim fulmen KERAUNOS dicitur.

These are said to succor against the force of lightning, if we believe it. Moreover they are called ceraunia because they are not found anywhere except in the place nearest to where a lightning-bolt has struck; for in Greek lightning is called KERAUNOS.

[6] Iris apud Arabiam in mari Rubro nascitur, coloris crystallini, sexangulata, dicta ex argumento iris. Nam sub tecto percussa sole species et colores arcus caelestis in proximos parietes imitatur.

[6] Iris arises near Arabia in the Red Sea, of crystalline color, six-angled, called iris from its argument. For, under a roof, when struck by the sun, it imitates upon the nearest walls the appearance and the colors of the celestial arch.

[7] Astrion ex India est, crystallo propinqua, in cuius centro stella lucet fulgore lunae plenae. Sumpsit autem nomen quod astris opposita fulgorem rapit ac regerit.

[7] The Astrion is from India, closely kindred to crystal, in the center of which a star shines with the brightness of the full moon. Moreover, it has taken its name because, when set opposite to the stars, it seizes and sends back the radiance.

[8] Electria, quasi alectoria: in ventriculis enim gallinaciis invenitur, crystallina specie, magnitudine fabae. Hac in certaminibus invictos fieri magi volunt, si credimus.

[8] Electria, as if alectoria: for it is found in the gizzards of cocks, of crystalline aspect, of the size of a bean. By this the magi want men to be made unconquered in contests, if we believe.

[9] Enhydros ab aqua vocata; exundat enim aquam, ita ut clausam in ea putes fontaneam scaturriginem.

[9] Enhydros, named from water; for it gushes forth water, such that you would think a fountain spring shut up within it.

(XIV. DE IGNITIS.)

(14. ON IGNEOUS THINGS.)

[1] Omnium ardentium gemmarum principatum carbunculus habet. Carbunculus autem dictus quod sit ignitus ut carbo, cuius fulgor nec nocte vincitur; lucet enim in tenebris adeo ut flammas ad oculos vibret. Genera eius duodecim, sed praestantiores qui videntur fulgere et veluti ignem effundere.

[1] Of all ardent gems, the carbuncle holds the primacy. Carbuncle, moreover, is so called because it is ignited like a coal, whose splendor is not vanquished even by night; for it shines in the darkness to such a degree that it seems to dart flames into the eyes. Its kinds are twelve, but the more outstanding are those which appear to gleam and, as it were, to pour out fire.

Carbunculus autem Graece ANTHRAKS dicitur. Gignitur in Libya apud Trogodytas.

But the carbuncle in Greek is called ANTHRAX. It is generated in Libya among the Troglodytes.

[2] Anthracitis vocatus quod sit et ipse coloris ignei ut carbunculus, sed candida vena praecinctus; cuius proprium est quod iactatus igni velut intermortuus extinguitur, at contra aquis perfusus exardescit.

[2] Called Anthracitis because it too is of fiery color like the carbuncle, but girdled with a white vein; whose property is that, when cast into fire, as if half-dead, it is extinguished, but on the contrary, when drenched with waters, it blazes up.

[3] Sandasirus nascitur in Indis, loco eiusdem nominis. Species eius quod veluti in tralucido igne intus fulgent aureae guttae. Constat inter omnes, quantus numerus stellarum accedit, tanto et pretium accedere.

[3] The sandasirus is produced in the Indies, in a place of the same name. Its appearance is that, as if in a translucent fire, golden drops gleam within. It is agreed among all that, by as much as the number of “stars” increases, by so much also the price increases.

[4] Lychnis ex eodem genere ardentium est, appellata a lucernarum flagrantia: gignitur in multis locis, sed probatissima apud Indos. Quidam eam remissiorem carbunculum esse dixerunt. Huius duplex facies; una quae purpura radiat, alia quae cocci rubore.

[4] Lychnis is of the same genus of burning (stones), named from the flaring of lamps: it is produced in many places, but is most approved among the Indians. Certain persons have said that it is a more remiss carbuncle. Of this the aspect is twofold; one which radiates with purple, another with the redness of coccus.

A sole excalefacta aut digitorum adtritu paleas et chartarum fila ad se rapere dicitur; sculpturis resistit, ac si quando sculpta est, dum signa inprimit, quasi quodam animali morsu partem cerae retentat. Genera eius quattuor.

Warmed by the sun or by the friction of the fingers, it is said to draw to itself chaff and threads of paper; it resists engraving, and if ever it has been engraved, while it imprints signs, it retains a portion of the wax as if by the bite of a certain animal. Its genera are four.

[5] Carchedonia hoc quod et lychnis facere dicitur, quamquam multo vilior praedictis. Nascitur apud Nasamonas imbre, ut ferunt, divino: invenitur ad repercussum lunae plenae. Omnia autem genera sculpturae resistunt.

[5] Carchedonia is said to do this which the lychnis also does, although much cheaper than the aforesaid. It is produced among the Nasamones by a divine rain, as they say: it is found at the reflection of the full moon. But all kinds resist engraving.

[6] Alabandina dicta ab Alabanda Asiae regione, cuius color ad carchedoniam vadit, sed rarus.

[6] Alabandine, named from Alabanda, a region of Asia, whose color goes toward carchedonia, but is rare.

[7] Dracontites ex cerebro draconis eruitur. Quae nisi viventi abscisa fuerit, non ingemmescit; unde et eam magi dormientibus draconibus amputant. Audaces enim viri explorant draconum specus, spargunt ibi gramina medicata ad incitandum draconum soporem, atque ita somno sopitis capita desecant et gemmas detrahunt.

[7] Dracontites is extracted from the brain of a dragon. Which, unless it has been cut from a living dragon, does not become a gem; whence also the magi amputate it from dragons while they sleep. For bold men explore the lairs of dragons, they sprinkle there medicated herbs to incite the dragons’ slumber, and thus, with them lulled by sleep, they cut off the heads and draw off the gems.

Sunt autem candore translucido. Vsu earum orientis reges praecipue gloriantur.

They are, moreover, of a translucent whiteness. In their use the kings of the Orient especially glory.

[8] Chrysoprasus Aethiopicus est; quem lapidem lux celat, prodit obscuritas. Nocte enim igneus est, die aureus.

[8] Chrysoprase is Ethiopian; the light conceals this stone, obscurity brings it forth. For at night it is fiery, by day golden.

[9] Phlogites ex Persida est, ostentans intra se quasi flammas aestuantes, quae non exeant.

[9] Phlogites is from Persia, displaying within itself as it were seething flames, which do not go out.

[10] Syrtitis vocata quoniam in litore Syrtium inventa primum est. In parte Lucaniae color huius croceus, intus stellas continens languidas, et sub nubilo renitentes.

[10] Called Syrtitis since it was first found on the shore of the Syrtes. In a part of Lucania the color of this is saffron, within containing languid stars, and, under cloud, gleaming back.

[11] Hormiscion inter gratissimas aspicitur, ex igneo colore radians auro portante[m] secum in extremitatibus candidam lucem.

[11] Hormiscion is beheld among the most pleasing, radiating from an igneous color, with the gold carrying with it at the extremities a white light.

XV. DE AVREIS.

15. ON GOLDEN THINGS.

[1] Sunt quaedam gemmarum genera ex specie metallorum vel lapidum cognominata.

[1] There are certain genera of gems cognominated from the species of metals or stones.

[2] Chrysopis aurum tantum videtur esse. Chrysolithus auro similis est cum marini coloris similitudine. Hunc [et] Aethiopia gignit.

[2] Chrysopis seems to be nothing but gold. Chrysolite is similar to gold, with a resemblance of sea-color. This [too] Ethiopia produces.

[3] Chryselectrus similis auro, sed in colorem electri vergens, matutino tantum aspectu iucundus, rapacissimus ignium, et, si iuxta fuerit, celerrime ardescens.

[3] Chryselectrum is similar to gold, but inclining toward the color of electrum, pleasing only in the morning aspect, most rapacious of fires, and, if it be nearby, kindling very swiftly.

[4] Chrysolampis ex auro et igne vocata; aurea est enim die, et noctu ignea. Hanc Aethiopia gignit.

[4] Chrysolampis, named from gold and fire; for it is golden by day, and by night fiery. Ethiopia produces this.

[5] Ammochrysus harenis auro intermixtus nunc brattearum, nunc pulveris habet quadrulas. Gignitur in Persida.

[5] Ammochrysus, intermingled in sands with gold, has little squares, now of gold leaf, now of powder. It is produced in Persia.

[6] Leucochrysus colore aureo interveniente candida vena. Melichrysus dicta quod veluti per aurum (sincerum mel), sic haec gemma transluceat.

[6] Leucochrysus, a white vein with a golden color intervening. It is called Melichrysus because, just as pure honey through gold, so this gem is translucent.

[7] Chrysocolla gignitur in India, ubi formicae eruunt aurum. Est autem auro similis et habet naturam magnetis, nisi quod augere aurum traditur; unde et nuncupatur. Argyrites similis argento, habens stigmata aurea.

[7] Chrysocolla is engendered in India, where ants dig out gold. It is moreover similar to gold and has the nature of a magnet, except that it is reported to augment gold; whence it also is appellated. Argyrites is similar to silver, having golden stigmata.

[8] Androdama(s) argenti nitorem habet et pene adamans, quadrata semper tesseris. Magi putant nomen inpositum ab eo quod animorum inpetus vel iracundias domare et refrenare dicatur, si credimus. Gignitur in mari Rubro.

[8] Androdamas has the sheen of silver and is almost adamant, always squared into tesserae (dice-like cubes). The Magi think the name was imposed from the fact that it is said to tame and rein in the impulses of minds or angers, if we believe it. It is generated in the Red Sea.

[9] Chalcitis aerei coloris est. Chalcophonos nigra est, sed lapidi inlisa aeris tinnitum reddit.

[9] Chalcitis is of brazen color. Chalcophonos is black, but when struck against a stone it gives back the ringing of bronze.

[10] Balanites: duo genera sunt, subvirides et Corinthiae aeris similitudine, mediam secante flammea vena.

[10] Balanites: there are two kinds, greenish, and of the likeness of Corinthian bronze, a fiery vein cutting through the middle.

[11] Sideritis a contemplatione ferri nihil dissonat. In maleficiis quoquo modo inferatur discordias excitat.

[11] Sideritis differs in nothing from the contemplation of iron. In maleficial practices, however it be brought in, it excites discords.

[12] Idaeus dactylus ex insula Creta est, ferrei coloris. Causa nominis eius quia pollicem humanum exprimit.

[12] The Idaean dactyl is from the island of Crete, of iron color. The cause of its name is that it expresses the human thumb.

[13] Aethiopicus ferrei coloris est, qui dum teritur, nigrum sucum emittit.

[13] The Aethiopic is iron-colored, which, while it is rubbed, emits a black juice.

[14] Zmilanthis in Euphrate alveo legitur Proconnesio marmori similis, medio colore glauco, veluti oculi pupilla internitens. Arabica ex patria dicta aspectu eburnea est.

[14] Zmilanthis is gathered in the bed of the Euphrates, similar to Proconnesian marble, with a middle hue glaucous, glittering within like the pupil of the eye. Arabica, named from its native country, is eburnean in aspect.

[15] Hephaestitis speculi naturam habet in reddendis imaginibus, quamquam rutilet. Experimentum eius, si ferventi aqua statim addita refrigerat, aut si soli adposita aridam materiam accendat. Nascitur in Coryco.

[15] Hephaestitis has the nature of a mirror in rendering images, although it rutilates. Its experiment is whether, if when immediately added to boiling water it cools it, or whether, if set toward the sun, it ignites dry material. It is found in Corycus.

[16] Ostracites lapidosus colore, testacio durior. Altera achatae similis, nisi quod achates politura pinguescit. Duritiae tanta inest vis ut aliae gemmae sculpantur fragmentis eius.

[16] Ostracites, stony in color, harder than testaceous ware. Another variety is similar to agate, except that agate grows “fat” with polishing. So great a power of hardness is in it that other gems are engraved with its fragments.

[17] Glossopetra similis est linguae humanae; unde et nomen sumpsit: fertur autem deficiente luna caelo cadere. Cui non modicam magi tribuunt potestatem; nam ex eo lunares motus excitari putant.

[17] Glossopetra is similar to the human tongue; whence also it took its name: moreover it is said, when the moon is waning, to fall from the sky. To it the magi attribute no moderate power; for from it they think lunar motions are excited.

[18] Sunt et quaedam gemmarum genera cognominata ab animalibus: echites vipereas maculas exprimit; carciniae marini cancri color est;

[18] There are also certain genera of gems surnamed from animals: the echites expresses viperine spots; the carcinia has the color of the sea-crab;

[19] scorpitis scorpionem et colore et effigie refert; myrmecitis formicae reptantis effigiem imitatur; taos pavoni est similis; hieracitis accipitris colore, aetitis aquilae; aegopthalmos caprino oculo similis;

[19] scorpitis recalls the scorpion both in color and in effigy; myrmecitis imitates the effigy of a crawling ant; taos is similar to the peacock; hieracitis to the hawk in color, aëtites to the eagle; aegophthalmos is similar to a caprine eye;

[20] lycopthalmos quattuor colorum, ex rutilo sanguinea, in medio nigrum candido cingit, ut luporum oculi; meconites papaver exprimit.

[20] lycopthalmos is of four colors: rutilous, sanguineous; in the middle it encircles black with white, like the eyes of wolves; meconites expresses the poppy.

[21] Sunt et quaedam gemmae quas gentiles in superstitionibus quibusdam utuntur. Liparea suffita omnes bestias evocare tradunt.

[21] There are also certain gems which the gentiles use in certain superstitions. They hand down that the Liparea, when suffumigated, calls forth all beasts.

[22] Anancitide in hydromantia daemonum imagines evocari dicunt. Synochitide umbras inferorum evocatas teneri aiunt.

[22] With Anancitis, in hydromancy, they say the images of daemons are evoked. With Synochitis, they say that the shades of the underworld, once evoked, are held.

[23] Chelonitis oculus est Indicae testudinis, varius et purpureus. Hunc magi inpositum linguae futura pronuntiare finguntur.

[23] Chelonitis is the eye of the Indian tortoise, variegated and purple. The magi are said to feign that, when placed upon the tongue, it pronounces future things.

[24] Brontea a capite testudinum; e tonitribus cadi putatur, et restinguere fulminis ictus.

[24] Brontea from the head of tortoises; it is thought to fall from thunderclaps, and to extinguish the strokes of lightning.

[25] Hyaenia lapis in oculis hyaenae bestiae invenitur; qui si sub lingua hominis subditus fuerit, futura eum praecinere dicunt. Sed et corallius tempestati et grandini resistere fertur.

[25] The hyaenia-stone is found in the eyes of the hyena-beast; which, if it has been placed beneath a man’s tongue, they say causes him to prophesy the future. But coral also is reported to resist tempest and hail.

[26] Pontica est gemma quaedam livore perlucida, habens stellas rubeas, interdum et aureas. Dicunt per eam interrogare daemones et fugare.

[26] The Pontic is a certain gem, perlucent with a livid hue, having red stars, sometimes even golden. They say that by means of it one interrogates demons and drives them to flight.

[27] In quibusdam gemmarum generibus veras a falsis discernere magna difficultas est, quippe quum inventum sit ex vero genere alterius in alia falsa transducere; ut sardonyches, quae ternis glutinantur gemmis ita ut deprehendi non possint. Fingunt enim eas ex diverso genere: nigro, candido mineoque colore. Nam et pro lapide pretiosissimo smaragdo quidam vitrum arte inficiunt, et fallit oculos subdole quadam falsa viriditas, quoadusque non est qui probet simulatum et arguat; sic et alia alio atque alio modo.

[27] In certain kinds of gems there is great difficulty in discerning the true from the false, since a method has been found to transfer from the true genus of one into another, counterfeit; as with sardonyxes, which are glued from three gems in such a way that they cannot be detected. For they fashion them from a different genus: with black, white, and minium‑colored (vermilion) hue. And in place of the most precious stone, the emerald, some stain glass by art, and a certain insidious false greenness deceives the eyes, until there is someone to test the simulated and expose it; so also others in one way and another.

Neque est sine fraude ulla vita mortalium.

Nor is any life of mortals without fraud.

[28] Omnes autem non translucidas gemmas caecas appellari, eo quod densitate sua obscurentur.

[28] Moreover, all non-translucent gems are called blind, because they are obscured by their own density.

XVI. DE VITRO.

16. ON GLASS.

[1] Vitrum dictum quod visui perspicuitate transluceat. In aliis enim metallis quidquid intrinsecus continetur absconditur; in vitro vero quilibet liquor vel species qualis est interius talis exterius declaratur, et quodammodo clausus patet. Cuius origo haec fuit.

[1] Glass is so named because it shines through to the sight by its perspicuity. For in other metals whatever is contained within is hidden; but in glass any liquid or appearance, such as it is on the inside, such is it declared on the outside, and in a certain way, though closed, it lies open. The origin of it was this.

In parte Syriae, quae Phoenice vocatur, finitima Iudaeae circa radices montis Carmeli palus est, ex qua nascitur Belus amnis, quinque milium passuum spatio in mare fluens iuxta Ptolomaidem, cuius arenae de torrente fluctu sordibus eluuntur.

In the part of Syria which is called Phoenice, neighboring Judaea, around the roots of Mount Carmel there is a marsh, from which the river Belus is born, flowing into the sea over a space of 5 miles near Ptolemais, whose sands are washed free of filth by the wave of the torrent.

[2] Hic fama est pulsa nave mercatorum nitri, cum sparsim per litus epulas pararent, nec essent pro adtollendis vasis lapides, glebas nitri e nave subdiderunt; quibus accensis permixta arena litoris, translucentes novi liquoris fluxisse rivos: et hanc fuisse originem vitri.

[2] Here the report is that, the ship of merchants of natron having been driven ashore, when they were preparing banquets scattered along the shore, and there were not stones for lifting up the vessels, they put beneath lumps of natron from the ship; these being kindled, with the sand of the shore mixed in, streams of a new translucent liquid flowed forth: and this was the origin of glass.

[3] Mox, ut est ingeniosa sollertia, non fuit contenta solo nitro, sed et aliis mixturis hanc artem [condire] studuit. Levibus enim aridisque lignis coquitur, adiecto cypro ac nitro continuisque fornacibus ut aes liquatur, massaeque fiunt. Postea ex massis rursus funditur in officinis, et aliud flatu figuratur, aliud torno teritur, aliud argenti modo caelatur.

[3] Soon, as ingenious cleverness is, it was not content with nitre alone, but strove also with other mixtures to season this art. For it is cooked with light and dry woods, with cyprum and nitre added, and in continuous furnaces it is melted as bronze is, and masses are made. Afterwards from the masses it is again poured in the workshops, and one sort is shaped by blowing, another is ground on the lathe, another is chased in the manner of silver.

Tinguitur etiam multis modis, ita ut iacinthos sapphirosque et virides imitetur et onyches vel aliarum gemmarum colores; neque est alia speculis aptior materia vel picturae adcommodatior.

It is also dyed in many ways, so that it imitates hyacinths and sapphires and greens, and onyxes or the colors of other gems; nor is there any other material more apt for mirrors or more accommodative for painting.

[4] Maximus tamen honor in candido vitro, proximoque in crystalli similitudine; unde et ad potandum argenti metalla et auri pepulit vitrum. Olim fiebat et in Italia, et per Gallias et Hispaniam arena alba mollissima pila molaque terebatur. Dehinc miscebatur tribus partibus, nitri pondere vel mensura, ac liquata in alias fornaces transfundebatur, quae massa vocabatur ammonitrum; atque haec recocta fiebat vitrum purum et candidum.

[4] The greatest honor, however, is in clear glass, and as next in resemblance to crystal; whence also for drinking glass has driven out the metals of silver and of gold. Formerly it was made also in Italy, and throughout Gaul and Spain the very soft white sand was ground with pestle and millstone. Then it was mixed in three parts, with nitre by weight or by measure, and, liquefied, it was poured into other furnaces; this mass was called ammonitrum; and this, re-cooked, became glass pure and clear.

[5] In genere vitri et obsianus lapis adnumeratur. Est autem virens interdum et niger aliquando et translucidus, crassiore visu et in speculis parietum pro imagine umbras reddente; gemmas multiex eo faciunt. Hunc lapidem et in India et in Italia et ad Oceanum in Hispania nasci tradunt.

[5] In the genus of glass the obsidian stone is also reckoned. It is, moreover, sometimes green and sometimes black and translucent, with a thicker aspect, and in wall mirrors, in place of an image, rendering shadows; many make gems out of it. They report that this stone is produced both in India and in Italy and by the Ocean in Spain.

[6] Ferunt autem sub Tiberio Caesare quendam artificem excogitasse vitri temperamentum, ut flexibile esset et ductile. Qui dum admissus fuisset ad Caesarem, porrexit phialam Caesari, quam ille indignatus in pavimentum proiecit. Artifex autem sustulit phialam de pavimento, quae conplicaverat se tamquam vas aeneum; deinde marculum de sinu protulit et phialam correxit.

[6] They relate, moreover, that under Tiberius Caesar a certain artisan devised a tempering of glass, so that it might be flexible and ductile. And when he had been admitted to Caesar, he proffered a phial to Caesar, which he, indignant, threw onto the pavement. The artisan, however, lifted the phial from the pavement, which had crumpled in upon itself like a bronze vessel; then he brought forth a small hammer from his bosom and set the phial straight.

Hoc facto Caesar dixit artifici: 'Numquid alius scit hanc condituram vitrorum?' Postquam ille iurans negavit alterum hoc scire, iussit illum Caesar decollari, ne dum hoc cognitum fieret, aurum pro luto haberetur et omnium metallorum pretia abstraherentur; et revera, quia si vasa vitrea non frangerentur, melius essent quam aurum et argentum.

With this done, Caesar said to the craftsman: ‘Does anyone else know this tempering of glass?’ After he, swearing, denied that another knew this, Caesar ordered him to be beheaded, lest, once this became known, gold be held as mud and the prices of all metals be dragged down; and indeed, for if glass vessels did not break, they would be better than gold and silver.

XVII. DE METALLIS.

17. ON METALS.

[1] Metallum dictum Graece PARA TOUMETALLAN, quod natura eius sit ut ubi una vena apparuerit, ibi spes sit alterius inquirendi. Septem sunt autem genera metallorum: aurum, argentum, aes, electrum, stagnum, plumbum et, quod domat omnia, ferrum.

[1] "Metal" is said in Greek PARA TOUMETALLAN, because its nature is such that where one vein has appeared, there is the hope of seeking another. There are, moreover, seven kinds of metals: gold, silver, bronze, electrum, tin, lead, and iron, which subdues all.

XVIII. DE AVRO.

18. ON GOLD.

[1] Aurum ab aura dictum, id est ab splendore, eo quod repercusso aere plus fulgeat. Vnde et Vergilius (Aen.6,204):

[1] Gold is said to be from aura, that is from splendor, because, with the air reflected, it shines more. Whence also Vergil (Aen.6,204):

Discolor inde auri per ramos aura refulsit,

Thence the variegated aura of gold refulged through the branches,

hoc est splendor auri. Naturale enim est ut metallorum splendor plus fulgeat luce alia repercussus. Hinc et aurarii dicti, quorum fulgor splendiosus reddit.

this is the splendor of gold. For it is natural that the splendor of metals shines more when reflected by another light. Hence also those called aurarii, whose brightness renders them splendid.

[2] Obryzum aurum dictum quod obradiet splendore; est enim coloris optimi, quod Hebraei 'ophaz', Graeci KIRRON dicunt. Brattea dicitur tenuissima lamina, APO TOU BREMETOU, qui est ONOMATOPOIEIA crepitandi, E APO TOU ÝBRATUNÝ lamina.

[2] Obryzum gold is so called because it shines out with splendor; for it is of the best color, which the Hebrews call “ophaz,” the Greeks call KIRRON. Brattea is called the thinnest lamina, APO TOU BREMETOU, which is an ONOMATOPOEIA of crackling, and from ÝBRATUNÝ lamina.

[3] Pecunia prius de pecudibus et proprietatem habebat et nomen; de corio enim pecudum nummi incidebantur et signabantur. Postea a Saturno aereus nummus inventus; ipse enim signare nummos et scribi constituit.

[3] Money earlier had both its property and its name from cattle; for from the hide of cattle coins were cut and stamped. Afterwards the bronze coin was invented by Saturn; for he himself decreed that coins be stamped and inscribed.

[4]Propterea et aerarium Saturno a gentilibus consecratum est. Alii, ut superius, pecuniam a petudibus appellaverunt, sicut a iuvando iumenta sunt dicta. Omne enim patrimonium apud antiquos peculium dicebatur a pecudibus, in quibus eorum constabat universa substantia; unde et pecuarius vocabatur qui erat dives, modo vero pecuniosus.

[4]For this reason the treasury was consecrated to Saturn by the Gentiles. Others, as above, derived money from cattle, just as draught-animals are said to be named from aiding. For every patrimony among the ancients was called peculium from cattle, in which their entire substance consisted; whence also he who was rich was called “pecuarian,” but nowadays “pecunious.”

[5] Antiquissimi nondum auro argentoque invento, aere utebantur. Nam prius aerea pecunia in usu fuit, post argentea, deinde aurea subsecuta est, sed ab ea, qua coepit, et nomen retinuit. Vnde et aerarium dictum, quia prius aes tantum in usu fuit, et ipsud solum recondebatur, auro argentoque nondum signato; ex quorum metallis quamvis postea fuisset facta pecunia, nomen tamen aerarii permansit ab eo metallo unde initium sumpsit.

[5] The most ancient, with gold and silver not yet discovered, made use of bronze. For first bronze money was in use, afterward silver, then gold followed; but from that with which it began it also retained its name. Whence too the aerarium was so called, because at first only bronze was in use, and this alone was stored away, gold and silver not yet being stamped; from whose metals, although money was later made, nevertheless the name of the aerarium remained from that metal whence it took its beginning.

[6] Thesaurum iuxta Graecam proprietatem APO TES THESEOS, a positione, hoc est a reposito, nominatur. Num THESIS positio dicitur, et est nomen ex Graeco Latinoque sermone conpositum. Nam THES Graeci repositum dicunt, Latini aurum, quod iunctum sonat repositum aurum.

[6] Treasure, according to Greek propriety, is named APO TES THESEOS, from “position,” that is, from “being put away.” For THESIS is called “position,” and it is a name compounded from Greek and Latin speech. For THES the Greeks say “repositum,” the Latins “gold,” which, joined, sounds “laid‑up gold.”

Auraria nomen habet ab auro.

Auraria has its name from gold.

[7] Tributa vero, eo quod antea per tribus singulas exigebantur, sicuti nunc per singula territoria. Sic autem in tres partes divisum fuisse Romanum populum constat, ut etiam qui praeerant in singulis partibus tribuni dicerentur: unde etiam sumptus, quos dabant populi, tributa nominarunt.

[7] Tributes, indeed, are so named because formerly they were exacted by each of the tribes, just as now by each of the territories. Thus, moreover, it is established that the Roman people was divided into three parts, so that even those who presided in the individual parts were called tribunes: whence also the expenditures which the peoples paid they named tributes.

[8] Vectigalia sunt tributa, a vehendo dicta. Stipendium ab stipe pendenda nominatum; antiqui enim adpendere pecuniam soliti erant magis quam adnumerare. Moneta appellata est quia monet ne qua fraus in metallo vel in pondere fiat.

[8] Vectigalia are tributes, named from carrying. Stipend is named from a stips to be weighed; for the ancients were accustomed to weigh out money rather than to enumerate it. Moneta is so called because it admonishes lest any fraud be done in the metal or in the weight.

[9] Nomisma est solidus aureus vel argenteus sive aereus, qui ideo nomisma dicitur quia nominibus principum effigiisque signatur. Prius nummus ARGUROS nuncupabatur, quia quam plurimum ex argento percutiebatur.

[9] A nomisma is a solidus of gold or of silver or of bronze, which is therefore called nomisma because it is stamped with the names and effigies of princes. Formerly the coin was denominated ARGUROS, because for the most part it was struck from silver.

[10] Nummi autem a Numa Romanorum rege vocati sunt, qui eos primum apud Latinos imaginibus notavit et titulo nominis sui praescripsit.

[10] Coins, moreover, were called nummi from Numa, king of the Romans, who first among the Latins marked them with images and inscribed the title of his own name.

[11] Folles dicuntur a sacculo quo conduntur, a continente id quod continetur appellatum.

[11] Folles are said to be so called from the satchel in which they are stored; from the continente, that which is contained is appellated.

[12] In nomismate tria quaeruntur: metallum, figura et pondus. Si ex his aliquid defuerit, nomisma non erit.

[12] In a coin three things are required: the metal, the figure, and the weight. If any of these is lacking, it will not be a coin.

[13] Tria sunt autem genera argenti et auri et aeris: signatum, factum, infectum. Signatum est quod in nummis est; factum, quod in vasis et signis; infectum, quod in massis; quod et grave dicitur, id est massa. In notitiam autem formarum metalla ita venerunt; dum enim quocumque casu ardentes silvae exquoquerent terram, quae calefactis venis fudit rivos cuiuscumque structurae,

[13] There are, moreover, three kinds of silver and gold and bronze: stamped, made, unmade. Stamped is that which is in coins; made, that which is in vessels and images; unmade, that which is in masses; which is also called heavy, that is, a mass. Now metals came into the knowledge of their forms thus: for when by whatever chance burning forests smelted out the earth, which, its veins having been heated, poured forth streams of whatever composition,

[14] sive igitur aes illud fuerat sive aurum, quum in loca terrae depressiora decurreret, sumpsit figuram, in quam illud vel profluens rivus vel excipiens lacuna formaverat. Quarum rerum splendore capti homines quum ligatas adtollerent massas, viderunt in ea terrae vestigia figurata; hincque excogitaverunt liquefactas ad omnem formam posse deduci.

[14] Whether therefore that had been bronze or gold, when it ran down into the lower places of the earth, it took the shape into which either the outflowing stream or the receiving pool had formed it. Men, captivated by the splendor of these things, when they lifted the congealed masses, saw in them the figured traces of the earth; and from this they devised that, once liquefied, they could be brought to every form.

XIX. DE ARGENTO.

19. ON SILVER.

[1] Argentum non longe a Graeca appellatione distat; hoc enim illi ARGURON vocant. Cui mirum in modum illud ut, dum candidum sit, inpressum corpori liness nigras reddat.

[1] Silver does not stand far from the Greek appellation; for they call this ARGURON. Which, in a wondrous manner, while it is candid (white), when impressed upon the body it renders black lines.

[2] Argentum vivum dictum quod excidat materias in quibus inicitur; hoc et liquidum, quia percurrit. Invenitur specialiter in metallis sive in argentariis fornacibus guttarum concretione tectis inhaerens, saepe etiam et in stercore vetustissimo cloacarum vel puteorum limo. Fit etiam et ex mineo inposito conchulae ferreae patena testea superposita; tum circumlito vasculo circumdantur carbones, sicque argentum vivum ex mineo distillat; sine hoc neque argentum neque aes inaurari potest.

[2] Quicksilver is so called because it eats away the materials into which it is cast; this too is called “liquid,” because it runs through. It is found especially in ores or in silversmiths’ furnaces, clinging to the roofs by a concretion of drops, and very often also in the most ancient filth of sewers or in the slime of wells. It is also produced from minium, when the minium is placed in an iron little shell with an earthenware plate set on top; then, the small vessel having been luted around, coals are packed around it, and thus quicksilver distills out from the minium; without this neither silver nor bronze can be gilded.

[3] Tantae autem virtutis est ut, si super sextarium argenti vivi centenarium saxum superponas oneris, statim resistit. Sin vero auri scripulum, levitatem eius raptim sinu recipit; ex quo intellegitur non pondus, sed naturam esse cui cedit. Servatur autem melius in vitreis vasculis; nam ceteras materias perforat.

[3] It is of such great virtue that, if upon a sextarius of quicksilver you place a hundredweight stone as a load, it immediately resists. But if, on the other hand, a scruple of gold, it swiftly receives its lightness into its bosom; whence it is understood that it yields not to weight, but to nature. It is kept better, moreover, in glass little vessels; for it perforates the other materials.

Potui autem datum interficit ponderis causa.

However, given for drinking, it kills by reason of its weight.

[4] Argenti purgamenta LITHARGUROS, quam nos spumam argenti appellamus. Fit enim ex argento et plumbo ita.

[4] The purgaments of silver: LITHARGUROS, which we call the foam of silver. For it is made from silver and lead thus.

XX. DE AERE.

20. ON COPPER.

[1] Aes ab splendore aeris vocatum, sicut aurum et argentum. Apud antiquos autem prior aeris quam ferri cognitus usus. Aere quippe primi proscindebant terram, aere certamina belli gerebant, eratque in pretio magis aes; aurum vero et argentum propter inutilitatem reiciebantur.

[1] Bronze is named from the splendor of the air, just as gold and silver. Among the ancients, moreover, the use of bronze was known before that of iron. With bronze, indeed, the first men plowed the earth; with bronze they waged the contests of war, and bronze was more in price; but gold and silver, on account of their uselessness, were rejected.

Nunc versa vice (Lucr. 5,1275):

Now in the reverse turn (Lucr. 5,1275):

Iacet aes, aurum in summum cessit
sic volvenda aetas commutat tempora rerum, et
quod fuit in pretio fit nullo denique honore.

Bronze lies low, gold has ascended to the highest;
thus the revolving age changes the times of things, and
what once was in price comes finally to no honor.

Vsus aeris postea transiit in simulacris, in vasis, in aedificiorum structuris; maxime et ad perpetuitatem monumentorum etiam publicae in eis constitutiones scriptae sunt.

The use of bronze afterward passed into images, into vases, into the structures of edifices; and especially, for the perpetuity of monuments, even public constitutions were written upon them.

[2] Cyprium aes in Cypro insula prius repertum, unde et vocatum, factum ex lapide aeroso, quem cadmiam vocant; et est ductile. Huic si addatur plumbum, colore purpureo fit.

[2] Cyprian bronze was first found on the island Cyprus, whence also it is named, made from a coppery stone, which they call cadmia; and it is ductile. If lead be added to this, it becomes of a purple color.

[3] Aurichalcum dictum quod et splendorem auri et duritiam aeris possideat. Est autem nomen compositum ex lingua Latina et Graeca; aes enim sermone Graecorum CHALKOS vocatur. Fit autem ex aere et igne multo, ac medicaminibus perducitur ad aureum colorem.

[3] Orichalcum is so called because it possesses both the splendor of gold and the hardness of bronze. Moreover, it is a name composed from the Latin and the Greek; for bronze in the speech of the Greeks is called CHALKOS. It is made from bronze and much fire, and by medicaments it is brought to a golden color.

[4] Corintheum est commixtio omnium metallorum, quod casus primum miscuit, Corintho, cum caperetur, incensa. Nam dum hanc civitatem Hannibal cepisset, omnes statuas aeneas et aureas et argenteas in unum rogum congessit et eas incendit: itaex hac commixtione fabri sustulerunt et fecerunt parapsides. Sic Corinthea nata sunt ex omnibus in unum, nec hoc nec illud.

[4] The Corinthian is a commixture of all metals, which chance first mixed, when Corinth, as it was being captured, was set on fire. For when Hannibal had taken this city, he heaped all the bronze, gold, and silver statues onto one pyre and burned them: thus from this commixture the craftsmen lifted it up and made parapsides (dishes). Thus the Corinthian wares were born from all into one—neither this nor that.

Vnde et usque in hodiernum diem sive ex ipso sive ex imitatione eius aes Corintheum vel Corinthea vasa dicuntur. Huius tria genera: candidum unum, ad argenti nitorem accedens; alterum, in quo ipsius auri fulva natura est; tertium, in quo aequalis cunctorum temperies.

Whence also, down to the present day, whether from the thing itself or from its imitation, it is called Corinthian bronze or Corinthian vessels. Of this there are three kinds: one, bright, approaching the luster of silver; a second, in which is the tawny nature of gold itself; a third, in which there is an equal tempering of all.

[5] Coronarium ex ductile aere tenuatur in lamminas, taurorumque felle tinctum speciem auri in coronis histrionum praebet; unde et appellatum.

[5] The coronarium, from ductile bronze, is attenuated into laminae, and, dyed with the gall of bulls, it affords the appearance of gold in the crowns of actors; whence also it is so appellated.

[6] Pyropum igneus color vocavit. Namque in singulas uncias aeris additis auri scripulis senis praetenui brattea ignescit flammasque imitatur; unde et pyropum dicitur.

[6] A fiery color called it pyropus. For, with six scruples of gold added to each ounce of copper, a very thin leaf ignites and imitates flames; whence it is also called pyropus.

[7] Regulare aes dicitur quod ab aliis ductile appellatur, quale omne Cyprium est.

[7] “Regular” copper is said of that which by others is called ductile, such as all Cyprian (copper) is.

[8] Ductile autem dicitur eo quod malleo producatur, sicut contra fusile qui tantum funditur. Hoc et caldarium quod tantum funditur. Nam malleis fragile est.

[8] But it is called ductile because it is drawn out by the hammer, just as on the contrary the fusile kind, which is only poured. This also is the cauldron-metal, which is only poured; for under hammers it is brittle.

Siquidem omne aes diligentius purgatis igne vitiis excoctisque regulare efficitur.

For indeed all bronze, when its faults have been more carefully purged by fire and burned out, is rendered ductile.

[9] Campanum quoque inter genera aeris vocatur a Campania scilicet provincia quae est in Italiae partibus, utensilibus [et] vasis omnibus probatissimum.

[9] Campanian, too, among the kinds of bronze, is so called from Campania, namely the province which is in the parts of Italy, most approved for utensils [and] all vessels.

[10] Aes omne frigore magno melius funditur. Aes rubiginem celerius trahit nisi oleo perunguatur; servari autem id optime etiam in liquida pice tradunt.

[10] All bronze is cast better in great cold. Bronze draws rust more quickly unless it be anointed with oil; and they hand down that it is best preserved even in liquid pitch.

[11] Inter omnia metalla aes vocalissimum est et maximae potestatis. Ideo et aenea limina; unde et Vergilius (Aen. 1,449):

[11] Among all metals bronze is the most resonant and of the greatest potency. Therefore also bronze thresholds; whence too Vergil (Aen. 1,449):

In foribus cardo stridebat aenis.

On the brazen doors the hinge was creaking.

Origo aeris cadmea et chalcitis. Purgamenta aeris cadmea, et aerugo, et aeris flos.

The origin of bronze is cadmia and chalcitis. The dross of bronze are cadmia, and verdigris, and the flower of bronze.

[12] Cadmia gignitur in metallorum aeris atque argenti fornacibus insidente nidore. Namque ut ipse lapis, ex quo fit aes, cadmia vocatur, sic rursus in fornacibus existit et nominis sui originem recipit.

[12] Cadmia is generated in the furnaces of the mines of copper and silver, as the nidor settles. For just as the very stone from which bronze is made is called cadmia, so in turn it comes into being again in the furnaces and receives back the origin of its name.

[13] Aeris flos fit seu gignitur conflationibus, resoluto atque reliquato aere, superfusa frigida. Repentina enim densatione tamquam de sputo reparatur flos.

[13] The flower of copper is made, or is generated, in smeltings, the copper having been liquefied and left behind, with cold water poured over it. For by sudden condensation the flower is, as it were, repaired as from spittle.

[14] Aeruginem quoque aes creat. Nam lamminae aereae super vas aceti asperrimi sarmentis superpositis atque ita distillantibus, quodex eo cecidit in ipsum acetum teritur et cribratur.

[14] Verdigris likewise is produced by copper. For copper plates are set over a vessel of very sharp vinegar, with vine-shoots placed above and thus dripping; what falls from them into the vinegar itself is triturated and sifted.

XXI. DE FERRO.

21. ON IRON.

[1] Ferrum dictum quod farra, id est semina frugum, terrae condeat. Idem et chalybs a Chalybe flumine, ubi ferrum optima acie temperatur. Vnde et abusive dicitur chalybs ipsa materies, ut (Virg.

[1] Iron is so named because it buries the farra, that is, the seeds of crops, in the earth. Likewise chalybs from the river Chalyb, where iron is tempered to the best edge. Whence also, by abusive usage, the very material is called chalybs, as (Verg.

Aen. 8,446):

Aeneid 8,446):

Vulnificusque chalybs.

And vulnerific steel.

[2] Ferri usus post alia metalla repertus est. Cuius postea versa in opprobrium species. Nam unde pridem tellus tractabatur, inde modo cruor effunditur.

[2] The use of iron was discovered after the other metals. Its form was afterwards turned into opprobrium. For by that wherewith formerly the earth was tilled, now blood is poured out.

Nullum autem corpus tam densis inter se cohaerentibus et inplicitis elementis quam ferrum; unde inest illi duritia cum frigore. Ferri autem metallum pene ubique reperitur, sed ex omnibus generibus palma Serico ferro datur. Seres enim hoc cum vestibus suis pellibusque mittunt.

No body, however, has elements so dense, cohering among themselves and entwined, as iron; whence there is in it hardness together with a chill. The metal of iron is found almost everywhere, but of all kinds the palm is given to Seric iron. For the Seres send this along with their garments and their pelts.

Secunda Parthico; neque alia genera ferri ex mera acie temperantur; ceteris enim admiscetur mollior conplexus.

Second is the Parthian; nor are the other kinds of iron tempered from pure steel; for in the rest a softer composition is admixed.

[3] Differentia ferri plurima iuxta terrae genus. Nam aliud molle plumboque vicinum, rotarum ut clavorum usibus aptum; aliud fragile et aerosum, culturae terrae conveniens; aliud brevitate sola placet clavisque caligariis; aliud rubiginem celerius sentit. Stricturae vocantur hae omnes, quod non in aliis metallis, ab stringendo apte vocabulo inposito.

[3] The differences of iron are very many according to the kind of earth. For one sort is soft and neighbor to lead, fit for the uses of wheels and of nails; another is brittle and brazen, suitable for the cultivation of the soil; another pleases by shortness alone and for boot‑nails; another senses rust more quickly. These are all called strictures, since this is not [the case] in other metals, a term aptly imposed from “to tighten.”

Aquarum vero summa differentia est, quibus ferrum candens inmergitur quo utilior fiat, sicut Bilbilis in Hispania et Tirassona, Comus in Italia.

In truth, the chief difference is in the waters, into which incandescent iron is immersed in order that it may become more useful, as at Bilbilis in Spain and at Tirassona, Comus in Italy.

[4] In acuendo ferro oleo delectatior fit acies; unde et tenuiora ferramenta oleo restingui mos est, ne aqua in fragilitatem durentur. A ferro sanguis humanus sese ulciscitur; contactum namque celerius rubiginem trahit. Cum ferro magnes lapis concordiam habet; sola enim haec materia vim ab hoc lapide accipit retinetque longo tempore.

[4] In sharpening iron, the edge becomes more agreeable with oil; whence also it is the custom for thinner implements to be quenched in oil, lest they be hardened into brittleness in water. Upon iron human blood avenges itself; for, when it has touched it, it more quickly draws rust. With iron the magnet-stone has concord; for this material alone receives force from this stone and retains it for a long time.

Ex eodem lapide architectus quidam Alexandriae templum concameravit, ut in eo simulacrum ferro in aere pendere videretur. Ferrum accensum igni, nisi duretur ictibus, conrumpitur: rubens non est habile ad tundendum neque antequam albescere incipiat: aceto vel alumine inlitum ferrum fit aeris simile.

From the same stone, a certain architect at Alexandria vaulted a temple, so that in it a simulacrum would seem to hang in the air by iron. Iron kindled by fire, unless it is hardened by blows, is corrupted; when red-hot it is not fit for hammering, nor before it begins to whiten; iron smeared with vinegar or alum becomes like bronze.

[5] Purgamenta ferri, rubigo et scoria. Robigo est vitium rodens ferrum, vel segetes, quasi rodigo mutata una littera; haec et aerugo ab erodendo; nam aerugo vitium est ferri ab erodendo dicta, non ab aeramento.

[5] The purgaments of iron are rubigo and scoria. Robigo is a vice gnawing iron—or the crops—as if “rodigo” with one letter changed; and both this and aerugo are from “eroding”; for aerugo is a vice of iron named from eroding, not from bronze (aeramentum).

[6] Scoria vero purgamenta et sordes sunt quae igne exquoquuntur: et dicta scoria quia de ferro excutitur.

[6] Scoria, in truth, are the purgaments and dregs that are cooked out by fire: and it is called scoria because it is knocked off from iron.

[7] Rubigine autem caret ferrum, si cerussa et gypso et liquida pice perunguitur. Item rubigo ferramenta non vitiat, si eadem medulla cervina vel cerussa mixta rosaceo unguitur.

[7] Iron, however, is free from rust if it is anointed with ceruse and gypsum and liquid pitch. Likewise rust does not vitiate the implements, if these are anointed with deer marrow, or with ceruse mixed with rose-oil.

XXII. DE PLVMBO.

22. ON LEAD.

[1] Plumbum dictum quod ex eo primum pilis factis maris altitudo temptata est. Huius duo genera sunt, nigrum et candidum; sed melius candidum, quod prius in insulis Athlantici maris inventum est. Siquidem et in Lusitania et in Gallicia gignitur, summa terra harenosa et coloris nigri, et pondere gravis; interveniunt et minuti calculi, maxime torrentibus siccatis; lavant eas arenas, et quod subsidit, quoquunt in fornacibus.

[1] Lead is so called because from it, with plummets made, the depth of the sea was first tested. Of this there are two kinds, black and white; but the white is better, which was first found in the islands of the Atlantic sea. Indeed it is also produced in Lusitania and in Gallaecia, the surface soil being sandy and of black color, and heavy in weight; there also occur minute pebbles, especially where torrents have dried up; they wash those sands, and what settles out they smelt in furnaces.

Inveniuntur et in aurariis metallis aqua missa calculi nigri et graves, et dum aurum colligitur, cum eo remanent; postea separati conflantur et in plumbum album resolvuntur. Inde et cadem gravitas plumbi quae auro.

Black and heavy pebbles are also found in gold-bearing ores when water is sent through, and while the gold is collected, they remain with it; afterwards, separated, they are melted together and resolved into white lead. Hence also the same gravity of lead as of gold.

[2] Nigrum plumbum circa Cantabria abundat. Cuius origo duplex est; aut enim solus ex sua vena prodit, aut cum argento nascitur mixtisque venis conflatur. Huius primus in fornacibus liquor stagnum est, secundus argentum; quod remanet, superaddita vena rursusque conflata, fit nigrum plumbum.

[2] Black lead abounds around Cantabria. Its origin is twofold; for either it alone comes forth from its own vein, or it is born with silver and is smelted from mixed veins. Of this the first melt in the furnaces is tin, the second silver; what remains, with ore superadded and melted again, becomes black lead.

[3] India neque aes neque plumbum habet; gemmis tantum et margaritis haec permutat. Nigro plumbo fistulas lamminasque utimur. Laboriosius in Hispania et Gallia eruitur plumbum, nam in Brittania summo terrae corio.

[3] India has neither bronze nor lead; it barters these only with gems and with pearls. We use black lead for pipes and laminae (sheets). Lead is dug out more laboriously in Spain and Gaul, for in Britain it lies in the top skin of the earth.

XXIII. DE STAGNO.

23. ON TIN.

[1] Stagni etymologia APOCHORIZON, id est separans et secernens. Mixta enim et adulterata inter se per ignem metalla dissociat, et ab auro et argento aes plumbumque secernit; alia quoque metalla ab igne defendit, et quum sit natura aeris ferrique durissima, si absque stagno fuerit, uritur et crematur.

[1] The etymology of tin is APOCHORIZON, that is, separating and secerning. For mixed and adulterated metals among themselves it dissociates by fire, and from gold and silver it separates bronze and lead; it also defends other metals from fire, and, although the nature of bronze and iron is very hard, if they are without tin, they are scorched and cremated.

[2] Stagnum inlitum aereis vasis saporem facit gratiorem et conpescit virus aeruginis. Specula etiam ex eo temperantur. Cerussa quoque ex eo, sicut ex plumbo, conficitur.

[2] Tin smeared upon brazen vessels makes the taste more agreeable and restrains the poison of verdigris. Mirrors also are tempered from it. Ceruse likewise is made from it, as from lead.

XXIV. DE ELECTRO.

24. ON ELECTRUM.

[1]Electrum vocatum quod ad radium solis clarius auro argentoque reluceat; sol enim a poetis Elector vocatur. Defaecatius est enim hoc metallum omnibus metallis.

[1]Electrum is so called because at the sun’s ray it shines back more brightly than gold and silver; for the sun is called Elector by the poets. For this metal is more refined than all metals.

[2]Huius tria genera: unum, quod ex pini arboribus fluit, quod sucinum dicitur; alterum metallum, quod naturaliter invenitur et in pretio habetur; tertium, quod fit de tribus partibus auri et argenti una. Quas partes, etiam si naturale solvas, invenies. Vnde nihil interesse natum an factum; utrumque enim eiusdem naturae esse.

[2]Of this there are three kinds: one, which flows from pine trees, which is called succinum (amber); another, a metal, which is found naturally and is held in price; a third, which is made from three parts of gold and one of silver. These parts, even if you dissolve a natural one, you will find. Whence it makes no difference whether it is born or made; for both are of the same nature.

[3]Electrum, quod est naturale, eiusmodi naturae est ut in convivo et ad lumina clarius cunctis metallis fulgeat, et venenum prodat. Nam si eo infundas venenum, stridorem edit et colores varios in modum arcus caelestis emittit.

[3]Electrum, which is natural, is of such a nature that at a banquet and by lamplight it shines more brightly than all metals, and it betrays venom. For if you pour poison onto it, it emits a hissing and sends forth various colors in the manner of the celestial bow.

XXV. DE PONDERIBVS.

25. ON WEIGHTS.

[1] Ponderum ac mensurarum iuvat cognoscere modum. Nam omnia corporalia, sicut scriptum est, a summis usque ad ima in mensura et numero et pondere disposita sunt atque formata; cunctis enim corporeis rebus pondus natura dedit; suum quoque regit omnia pondus (Carm. de pond.

[1] It is helpful to know the standard of weights and measures. For all corporeal things, as it is written, from the highest down to the lowest are disposed and formed in measure and number and weight; for to all corporeal things nature has given weight; and their proper weight too governs all things (Poem on Weights.

3).

[2] Primus Moyses [qui omnes antecedit gentilium philosophos tempore, nobis et numeros et mensuras et pondus diversis [in] scripturae suae locis narravit]. Primus Phidon Argivus ponderum rationem in Graecia constituit; et licet alii antiquiores extiterint, sed iste hac arte experientior fuit.

[2] First Moses [who precedes all the gentile philosophers in time, recounted to us numbers and measures and weight in various places [in] of his scripture]. First Pheidon the Argive established the reckoning of weights in Greece; and although others more ancient had arisen, yet this man was more experienced in this art.

[3] Pondus dictum eo quod in statera libratum pendeat; hinc et pensum. Abusive autem pondus libra una est. Vnde etiam dipondius dictum est, quasi duo pondera; quod nomen adhuc in usu retinetur.

[3] Weight (pondus) is so called because, when balanced in the steelyard (balance), it hangs; hence also the pensum. By abusive usage, however, pondus is one pound (libra). Whence also the dipondius is so called, as if “two weights”; which name is still retained in use.

[4] Trutina est gemina ponderum lances aequali examine pendens, facta propter talenta et centenaria adpendenda; sicut momentana pro parva modicaque pecunia. Haec et moneta vocata. Idem et statera nomen ex numero habens, quod duobus lancis et uno in medio stilo librata aequaliter stet.

[4] A trutina is a twin-pan balance of weights, hanging with an equal examen, made for weighing talents and hundredweights; just as a momentana is for small and moderate money. This too was called moneta. Likewise the statera, having its name from the number, because, being balanced with two pans and one rod in the middle, it stands equally.

[5] Examen est filum medium quo trutinae statera regitur et lances aequantur. Vnde et in lanceis amentum dicitur.

[5] The examen is the middle thread by which the statera of the trutina is regulated and the pans are equalized. Whence also on spears the strap is called an amentum.

[6] Campana a regione Italiae nomen accepit, ubi primum eius usus repertus est. Haec duas lances a non habet, sed virga est signata libris et unciis et vago pondere mensurata.

[6] The Campana received its name from a region of Italy, where its use was first discovered. This does not have two pans, but is a rod marked with pounds and ounces and measured by a sliding weight.

[7] Vnicuique autem ponderi certus est modus nominibus propriis designatus.

[7] However, to each weight a fixed measure has been designated by proper names.

[8] Calcus, minima pars ponderis, quarta pars oboli est, constans lentis geminis granis. Appellatur autem calcus quod sit parvulus; sicut et lapis calculus, qui adeo minimus est ut sine molestia sui calcetur.

[8] The calcus, the least part of weight, is the fourth part of an obol, consisting of twin grains of lentil. It is called calcus because it is very small; just so the stone calculus, which is so tiny that it is trodden on without any annoyance from itself.

[9] Siliqua vicesima quarta pars solidi est, ab arbore, cuius semen est, vocabulum tenens.

[9] The siliqua is the twenty-fourth part of the solidus, retaining its appellation from the tree whose seed it is.

[10] Ceratin oboli pars media est, habens siliquam unam semis. Hunc Latinitas semiobolum vocat; ceratin autem Graece, Latine [siliqua] cornu(l)um interpretatur.

[10] The ceratin is the middle part of an obolus, having one and a half siliquae. Latin calls this a semiobolus; but ceratin is Greek, and in Latin [siliqua] is interpreted as “little horn.”

[11] Obolus siliquis tribus adpenditur, habens ceratin duos, calcos quattuor. Fiebat enim olim ex aere ad instar sagittae. Vnde et nomen a Graecis accepit, hoc est sagitta.

[11] The obolus is weighed as three siliquae, having two ceratia, four chalci. For formerly it was made out of bronze in the likeness of an arrow. Whence also it received its name from the Greeks, that is, arrow.

Scripulus sex siliquarum pondere constat. Hic apud Graecos gramma vocatur.

A scruple consists of the weight of six siliquae. This among the Greeks is called a gramma.

[12] Scripulus autem dictus per diminutionem a lapillo brevi qui scrupus vocatur.

[12] The scripulus, moreover, is named by diminution from the small stone which is called a scrupus.

[13] Dragma octava pars unciae est et denarii pondus argenti, tribus constans scripulis, id est decem et octo siliquis. Denarium autem dictum quia pro decem nummis inputatur.

[13] A drachma is the eighth part of an ounce and the silver weight of a denarius, consisting of three scripula, that is, eighteen siliquae. The denarius, moreover, is so called because it is accounted as ten coins.

[14] Solidum nuncupatum, quia nihil illi deesse videtur; solidum enim veteres integrum dicebant et totum. Ipse quoque nomisma vocatur pro eo quod nominibus principum effigiisque signetur. Ab initio vero unum nomisma unus argenteus erat; hoc enim ab Assyriis coepit: dicunt autem Iudaei quod Abraham in terram Chanaan primus hanc advexerit formam.

[14] It was called the solidus, because nothing seems to be lacking to it; for the ancients called solidum “integral” and “total.” It is also called a nomisma, on account of its being stamped with the names and effigies of the princes. From the beginning, indeed, one nomisma was one silver coin; for this began among the Assyrians: moreover, the Jews say that Abraham first brought this form into the land of Canaan.

Solidum apud Latinos alio nomine sextula dicitur, quod his sex uncia conpleatur. Hunc, ut diximus, vulgus aureum solidum vocant; cuius tertiam partem ideo dixerunt tremissem, eo quod solidum faciat ter missus.

Among the Latins the solidus is called by another name, sextula, because by six of these the ounce is completed. This, as we said, the common folk call the golden solidus; its third part they therefore called a tremissis, because “thrice sent” makes a solidus.

[15] Sextula bis adsum[ma]ta duellam facit; ter posita staterem reddit.

[15] The sextula, taken twice, makes a duella; set thrice, it yields a stater.

[16] Stater autem medietas unciae est, adpendens aureos tres; unde et vocatus stater quod tribus solidis stet. Haec et semuncia, quia semis habet de uncia. Haec et semissis, quia ponderis semis est, quasi semis assis.

[16] The stater, moreover, is the half of an uncia, weighing three aurei; whence it is called stater because it stands at three solidi. This is also the semuncia, because it has a half from the uncia. This is also the semissis, because it is a half of the weight, as it were a half-as.

[17] Quadrantem Hebraei similiter codrantem vocant; et vocatur quadrans quod unciae quartam partem adpendeat.

[17] The Hebrews likewise call the quadrans codrantem; and it is called a quadrans because it weighs a fourth part of an ounce.

[18] Sicel, qui Latino sermone siclus corrupte appellatur, Hebraeum nomen est, habens apud eos unciae pondus. Apud Latinos autem et Graecos quarta pars unciae est et stateris medietas, dragmas adpendens duas. Vnde cum in litteris divinis legatur siclus, uncia est; cum vero in gentilium, quarta pars unciae est.

[18] The Sicel, which in the Latin tongue is corruptly called siclus, is a Hebrew name, having among them the weight of an ounce. Among the Latins and the Greeks, however, it is a fourth part of an ounce and the half of a stater, weighing two drachmas. Whence, when in the divine writings “sicel” is read, it is an ounce; but when in those of the gentiles, it is a fourth part of an ounce.

[19] Vncia dicta quod universitatem minorum ponderum sua unitate vinciat, id est conplectat. Constat autem dragmis octo, id est scripulis viginti quattuor. Quod proinde legitimum pondus habetur, quia numerus scripulorum eius horas diei noctisque metitur, vel quia libram efficit duodecies conputatus.

[19] The ounce is so called because by its unity it binds the universality of the lesser weights, that is, it embraces them. It consists, moreover, of eight drachmas, that is, twenty-four scruples. Wherefore it is held a legitimate weight, because the number of its scruples measures the hours of day and night, or because, computed twelve times, it makes a pound (libra).

[20] Libra duodecim unciis perficitur; et inde habetur perfecti ponderis genus quia tot constat unciis quot mensibus annus. Dicta autem libra quod sit libera, et cuncta intra se pondera praedicta concludat.

[20] The libra is completed by twelve ounces; and thence it is held a kind of perfect weight because it consists of as many ounces as the year has months. Moreover it is called libra because it is libera, and it encloses within itself all the aforesaid weights.

[21] Mina in ponderibus centum dragmis adpenditur; et est nomen Graecum [quod sunt siliquae MDCCC, tremisses CCXXV, solidi LXXV, stateres XXV].

[21] The mina in weights is weighed at one hundred drachmas; and it is a Greek name [which are 1,800 siliquae, 225 tremisses, 75 solidi, 25 staters].

[22] Talentum summum esse pondus perhibetur in Graecis; nam nihil est calco minus, nihil talento maius. Cuius varium apud diversas gentes pondus habetur. Apud Romanos autem talentum esse septuaginta [duarum] librarum, sicut Plautus (Most.

[22] The talent is held to be the highest weight among the Greeks; for nothing is less than the chalcus, nothing greater than the talent. Its weight is considered various among different peoples. Among the Romans, however, the talent is of seventy-[two] pounds, as Plautus (Most.

644) ostendit, qui ait duo talenta esse centum quadraginta libras. Est autem triplex; id est minor, medius, summus. Minor quinquaginta, medius septuaginta duarum librarum, summus centum viginti constat.

644) he shows it, who says that two talents are 140 pounds. Moreover, it is threefold; that is, lesser, middle, greatest. The lesser is 50, the middle 72 pounds, the greatest consists of 120.

[23] Centenarium numeri nomen est eo quod centum librarum ponderis sit. Quod pondus propter perfectionem centenarii numeri instituerunt Romani.

[23] The centenary is the name of a number, because it is of the weight of 100 pounds. This weight the Romans instituted on account of the perfection of the centenary number.

XXVI. DE MENSVRIS.

26. ON MEASURES.

[1] Mensura est res aliqua modo suo vel tempore circumscripta; haec autem [aut] corporis est aut temporis. Corporis [est], ut hominum, lignorum et columnarum longitudo et brevitas. Sed et solem istum propriam sui orbis habere mensuram, quod geometrici perscrutare audent.

[1] Measure is some thing circumscribed by its own mode or by time; this, however, is either [or] of body or of time. Of body [it is], as the length and shortness of men, timbers, and columns. But even that sun has the proper measure of its own orb, which the geometers dare to scrutinize.

Temporis, ut mensura horarum et dierum et annorum: unde et metire pedes horarum dicimus, hoc est mensurare.

Of time, as the measure of hours and of days and of years: whence we also say “measure the feet of the hours,” that is, to measure.

[2] Proprie autem mensuram vocatam quod ea fruges metiuntur atque frumentum, id est humida et sicca, ut modios [et artabones], urnas et amphoras.

[2] Properly, however, it is called a measure because by it the fruits (produce) and grain are measured, that is, wet and dry, such as modii [and artabones], urns and amphoras.

[3] Mensurarum pars minima coclear, quod est dimidia pars dragmae, adpendens siliquas novem; qui triplicatus conculam facit. Concula dragma una et dimidia adimpletur.

[3] The smallest part of measures is the cochlear (spoon), which is the half part of a drachma, weighing nine siliquae; which, when tripled, makes a concula. A concula is filled by one and a half drachmas.

[4] Cyati pondus decem dragmis adpenditur, qui etiam a quibusdam cuatus nominatur. Oxifalus ut si quinque dragmae adduntur ad decem.

[4] The weight of a cyathus is weighed at ten drachmae, which also by some is named a “cuatus.” The oxyphalos, as if five drachmae are added to ten.

[5] Acitabulus quarta pars eminae est, duodecim dragmas adpendens. Cotyla emina est habens cyatos sex; quae idcirco cotyla vocatur, quia cote Graeco sermone incisio dicitur, et emina sextarii in duo aequa inciditur [et cotylam facit]. Emina autem adpendit libram unam, quae geminata sextarium facit.

[5] The acitabulus is the fourth part of a hemina, weighing twelve drachmas. The cotyla is a hemina having six cyathi; which therefore is called cotyla, because cote in the Greek tongue is called an incision, and the hemina of the sextarius is cut into two equal parts [and makes a cotyla]. The hemina, moreover, weighs one pound, which, doubled, makes a sextarius.

[6] Sextarius duarum librarum est. Qui bis adsumtus nominatur bilibris; adsumtus quater 'fit Graeco nomine cenix' (Carm. de pond.

[6] A sextarius is of two pounds. Which, taken twice, is called bilibris; taken four times, it 'becomes, by the Greek name, the choenix' (Poem on Weights.

69); quinquies conplicatus quinarem sive gomor facit. Adice sextum, congium reddit: nam congius sex metitur sextariis, a quo et sextarii nomen dederunt.

69); five times compounded it makes a quinarius or gomor. Add a sixth, it yields a congius: for a congius is measured by six sextarii, from which the sextarii also have taken their name.

[7] Congium autem a congiendo, id est per augmentum crescendo, vocatur. Vnde [et] postea pecunia beneficii gratia dari coepta congiarium appellatum est: unusquisque enim sui temporis imperator favorem populi captans adiciebat, ut largior videretur in donis.

[7] The congius, moreover, is named from congiere, that is, by growing through augmentation. Whence [also] thereafter money, begun to be given for the sake of a benefaction, was called a congiarium: for each emperor of his own time, seeking to capture the people’s favor, kept adding to it, so that he might appear more lavish in gifts.

[8] Congiarium autem specialiter mensura est liquidorum, cuius et rem simul et nomen a Romanis inpositum invenimus.

[8] Congiarium, however, specifically is a measure of liquids, of which we find both the thing itself and the name to have been imposed by the Romans.

[9] Metrum est mensura liquidorum: haec a mensura accepit nomen; METRON enim mensuram dicunt Graeci. Et inde appellata metreta, licet et urna et amphora et reliqua huiusmodi nomina mensurarum sunt; tamen ista hoc nomen a denarii numeri perfectione accepit. Metrum ad omnem mensuram pertinet; metrum enim Graece, Latine mensura dicitur.

[9] Metrum is a measure of liquids: this received its name from “measure”; for the Greeks call “measure” METRON. And from there it is called a metreta, although both the urn and the amphora and the remaining names of this kind are measures; nevertheless this one received this name from the perfection of the number of the denarius. Metrum pertains to every measure; for metron in Greek, in Latin “measure” is said.

Nam et cyatum mensura est, et amphora mensura est, et quidquid plus minusve capit mensura est. Sed ideo hoc nomen specialiter sibi adsumsit, quod sit mensura perfecti numeri, id est denarii.

For a cyathus is a measure, and an amphora is a measure, and whatever holds more or less is a measure. But for this reason it has specially appropriated this name for itself, because it is the measure of the perfect number, that is, of the denary (10).

[10] Modius dictus ab eo quod sit suo modo perfectus. Est autem mensura librarum quadraginta quattuor, id est sextariorum viginti duorum. Cuius numeri causa inde tracta est, eo quod in principio Deus viginti duo opera fecerit.

[10] The modius is called so from the fact that it is perfect in its own mode. Moreover, it is a measure of 44 pounds, that is, of 22 sextarii. The cause of this number is drawn from this: that in the beginning God made 22 works.

Nam prima die septem opera fecit: id est materiam informem, angelos, lucem, caelos superiores, terram, aquam atque aerem. Secunda die firmamentum solum. Tertia die quattuor: maria, semina, sationes atque plantaria.

For on the first day he made seven works: that is, formless matter, angels, light, the upper heavens, earth, water, and air. On the second day, the firmament alone. On the third day, four: seas, seeds, sowings, and plantings.

Quarta die tria: solem, lunam et stellas. Quinta die tria: pisces et reptilia aquarum et volatilia. Sexta die quattuor: bestias, pecudes, reptilia terrae et hominem.

On the fourth day, three: the sun, the moon, and the stars. On the fifth day, three: fishes, and reptiles of the waters, and flying things. On the sixth day, four: beasts, cattle, reptiles of the earth, and man.

Et facta sunt omnia viginti duo genera in diebus sex. Et viginti duae generationes sunt ab Adam usque ad Iacob, ex cuius semine nascitur omnis gens Israel; et viginti duo libri Veteris Testamenti usque ad Hester; et viginti duarum litterarum sunt elementa, quibus constat divinae legis doctrina. His igitur exemplis modius viginti duorum sextariorum a Moyse secundum sacrae legis mensuram effectus est: et quamvis diversae gentes huic mensurae pondus vel adiciant ignorantes vel detrahant, apud Hebraeos constitutione divina tali ratione servatur.

And all twenty-two genera were made in six days. And there are twenty-two generations from Adam up to Jacob, from whose seed the whole nation of Israel is born; and twenty-two books of the Old Testament up to Esther; and there are elements of twenty-two letters, by which the doctrine of the divine law is constituted. Therefore, by these examples the modius of twenty-two sextarii was effected by Moses according to the measure of the sacred law; and although diverse nations, being ignorant, either add to or subtract from the weight of this measure, among the Hebrews, by divine constitution, it is preserved in such a manner.

Modius enim modo dictus. Hinc et modica, id est moderata. Modicis enim modus nomen inposuit: nam modica pro parvis abusive, non proprie dicimus.

For the modius is so called from modus. Hence also modica, that is, moderate. For modus has imposed the name upon the moderates; for we say modica for “small things” abusively, not properly.

[11] Satum genus est mensurae iuxta morem provinciae Palestinae, unum et dimidium modium capiens. Cuius nomen ex Hebraeo sermone tractum est; 'satum' enim apud eos nominatur sumptio sive levatio, eo quod qui metitur eandem mensuram sumat ac levet. Est et alium satum, mensura sextariorum viginti duorum capax quasi modius.

[11] A satum is a kind of measure according to the custom of the province of Palestine, holding one and a half modius. Its name is drawn from the Hebrew language; for among them satum is called “taking” or “lifting,” because he who measures takes up and lifts the same measure. There is also another satum, a measure capable of twenty-two sextarii, as it were a modius.

[12] Batus vocatur Hebraica lingua ab olearia mola, quae 'beth' apud eos vel 'bata' nominatur, capiens quinquaginta sextaria; quae mensura una molae vice proteritur.

[12] Batus is called in the Hebrew language from the oil-mill, which among them is named 'beth' or 'bata', holding fifty sextarii; this measure is pressed in a single turn of the mill.

[13] Amphora vocata quod hinc et inde levetur. Haec Graece a figura sui dicta dicitur, quod eius ansae geminatae videantur aures imitari. Recipit autem vini vel aquae pedem quadratum, frumenti vero modios Italicos tres.

[13] Amphora is so called because it is lifted on this side and on that. This is said to be named in Greek from its figure, because its twinned handles seem to imitate ears. It receives a cubic foot of wine or water, but of grain three Italian modii.

[14] Cadus Graeca amphora est continens urnas tres. Vrna mensura est quam quidam quartarium dicunt. Proprie autem urna vas est, quae pro condendis defunctorum cineribus adhiberi solet.

[14] The cadus is a Greek amphora containing three urns. An urn is a measure which some call a quartarium. Properly, however, an urn is a vessel which is usually employed for storing the ashes of the deceased.

De quo poeta (Lucan. 7,819):

About which the poet (Lucan. 7,819):

Caelo tegitur qui non habet urnam.

He is covered by the sky who has no urn.

[15] Medimna mensura est quinque modiorum. Medimna autem Latina lingua vocatur, id est dimidia, eo quod quinque modiis metiatur, qui est dimidius numerus a perfecto denario.

[15] The medimna is a measure of five modii. The medimna, moreover, is called in the Latin tongue “the half,” that is, because it is measured by five modii, which is the half-number from the perfect denary.

[16] Artaba mensura est apud Aegyptios sextariorum septuaginta duorum, conposita ex numero propter septuaginta et duas gentes vel linguas quae orbem inpleverunt.

[16] The artaba is a measure among the Egyptians of seventy-two sextarii, composed from the number on account of the seventy-two nations or tongues which have filled the world.

[17] Gomor quindecim modiorum onus adpendet. Corus triginta modiorum mensura inpletur. Hic ex Hebraico sermone descendit, qui vocatur 'cor' a similitudine collis: 'corea' enim Hebraice colles appellantur.

[17] A gomor weighs a burden of fifteen modii. A corus is filled by a measure of thirty modii. This descends from the Hebraic speech, which is called 'cor' from the likeness of a hill: for in Hebrew 'corea' means hills.

Coacervati enim modii triginta instar collis videntur, et onus cameli efficiunt.

For thirty modii heaped together seem in the likeness of a hill, and they make up a camel’s load.

XXVII. DE SIGNIS.

27. ON SIGNS.

[1] Ponderis signa plerisque ignota sunt, et inde errorem legentibus faciunt. Quapropter formas eorum et characteres, ut a veteribus signata sunt, subiciamus.

[1] The signs of weight are unknown to most, and thence they cause error for readers. Wherefore, the forms of them and the characters, as they have been marked by the ancients, let us subjoin.

[2] Z littera significat dimidium obolum. Virgula aequaliter iacens et porrecta simpliciter significat obolum. = Geminata virgula duo oboli sunt.

[2] The letter Z signifies half an obol. A virgule lying horizontally and simply extended signifies an obol. = A doubled virgule is two obols.

T Latinum significat obolos tres. F Latinum significat obolos quattuor. E Latinum demonstrat obolos quinque.

T Latin signifies three obols. F Latin signifies four obols. E Latin shows five obols.

[3] Oboli vero sex propterea characterem non habent, eo quod in una dragma sex veniant, quod est pondus denarii argenti. H Eta littera significat siliquas octo, id est tremissem. N Latinum significat nomisma Graecum, id est solidum.

[3] But six obols have no character for this reason: because six come in one drachma, which is the weight of a silver denarius. H Eta letter signifies eight siliquae, that is, a tremissis. N Latin signifies a Greek nomisma, that is, a solidus.

[4] IB. Iota adiuncta Beta significat dimidium solidum. Virgulae duae ex uno angulo a laeva in dexteram se dividentes significant dragmam, quam etiam olcen appellant. N?. N Latinum adiuncto Gamma Graeco significat semiunciam.

[4] IB. Iota joined to Beta signifies half a solidus. Two little strokes, branching from one corner from the left into the right, signify the drachma, which they also call olcen. N?. The Latin N, with the Greek Gamma joined, signifies a half-ounce.

?°. Gamma autem Graecae litterae O Latinum in fine adiunctum significat unciam. ?. Labda Graecum per medium sui I Latinum adiectum significat libram.

?°. But Gamma of the Greek letter, with a Latin O joined at the end, signifies an ounce. ?. The Greek Labda, with a Latin I added through its middle, signifies a pound (libra).

[5] Kv. Kappa Graecum circa finem cornu adiuncto V Latinum significat cyatum. KO. Si vero O Latinum habuerit adiunctum, eminam demonstrat, quam Graeci cotylen vocant. ??. Xi Graecum si acceperit iunctum E Latinam, significat sextarium.

[5] Kv. Greek Kappa, with a horn — the Latin V — added near the end, signifies a cyathus. KO. But if it has the Latin O added, it denotes a hemina, which the Greeks call a cotyle. ??. If the Greek Xi has received the Latin E joined to it, it signifies a sextarius.

[6] ??. Si O Latinum adiunctum, indicat acitabulum, quod Graeci oxifalon vocant. ?N. My Graecum superposito N Latinum significat mina. T?. T Latinum in fine habens Labda Graecum significat talentum.

[6] ??. If a Latin O be adjoined, it indicates an acetabulum, which the Greeks call oxifalon. ?N. The Greek My (Mu), with a Latin N placed above, signifies a mina. T?. The Greek Labda (Lambda), having a Latin T at the end, signifies a talent.

X°. (Chi) Graecum in dextro brachio superiori O littera coniuncta cenix est.

X°. (Chi) Greek, on the upper right arm with the letter O joined, is a choenix.